Modern States Creates a Public Library of Courses, Intended to Get College Credit

Modern States Education Alliance, New York City – based non profit organization, has launched the “Freshman Year for Free” fall 2016 pilot program.

This program, established as a charitable initiative by Modern States in alliance with edX, is designed to give students increased access to college and reduce expenses.

ModernStates.org now contains the first eight courses, available free of charge, like a “public library of college courses”. They include free online textbooks and questions to check learners’ understanding. These courses are hosted at edX.org and a branded Open edX platform.

  • “Our goal is to offer you a high quality learning experience. The courses are taught by top college professors and designed to prepare you to pass the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam in the course you have chosen. These exams were established a long time ago, and are run by the College Board (an organization which is separate from us at Modern States, but which supports our goals.)”, said Modern States. 
  • “Once you pass the CLEP exam in a college subject, many major traditional colleges will give you course credit for that subject, and you can graduate sooner and at less cost.”
  • “Normally, the College Board charges $80 to take the CLEP exam. However, because you are one of the early users of our program, Modern States will also pay the fees for you to take the CLEP® exam related to your course.”

“Passing the CLEP and Learning with Modern States” orientation course

• Disclosure: IBL works for Modern States as a course producer and platform developer.