President Obama is giving it the "old college try" telling students they need to be good consumers of education. "College costs and careers have become hot political topics," says Elizabeth Venturini, college career strategist. "While Congress decides what to do about a bill that would allow borrowers to refinance both federal and private loans into lower-cost debt, parents should talk to their college-bound teens about their college major and career choices and how they expect to pay for them."

To help teens get college and career ready, Venturini is providing a virtual program for parents called "Failure to Launch-Not an Option" College Career Mentoring. Parents receive practical information to help teens, such as matching college majors with careers that can pay off, and marketing their education and experience in a positive and authentic way to employers.

With a little help from President Obama’s recent live student debt chat on June 10th, Venturini offers college career advice to parents with college-bound teens that both political parties can agree on:

Crunch the numbers before you write out the tuition check:
President Obama says, "Universities don't always counsel students well when they first come into college." Venturini recommends parents discuss with their teens what they can afford to pay for college before they select colleges and write out tuition checks. "Do the math and crunch the numbers with your teen on tuition, living expenses, student loans, and repayment terms," says Venturini. "Research with your teen if the employment prospects for their chosen major and career can pay off after college graduation."

Help your teen to develop their passions and have a backup career plan:
President Obama advises that, though it's important students have passion for what they care about, they should also be taking a look at where there is job demand. "Provide your teen with college major and career options," says Venturini. "Have your teen take an interests assessment before leaving high-school not after. Help them use the information to focus on college majors and career paths they will love and can pay the bills after graduation."

Get past the "brand" name of schools and find out what your teen will learn and earn:
President Obama tells his own children, "Don't assume there are only ten schools out there. There are a lot of options. Do your research." Venturini recommends parents focus on the quality of the education their teen will receive. "Find out who's teaching the classes - adjuncts or professors?" says Venturini. "Investigate the college career center's track record of job placement for graduates. Your teen's chosen college needs to have the resources in place to open doors for employment opportunities after graduation."

Venturini says, "No matter what side of the political aisle parents are on, if they want to help their teenagers graduate with a marketable college degree without tons of student debt, they should talk to a college career strategist like me."

Venturini is offering as a special gift to moms and dads her eBook, ""54 Tips to Help Set the Stage so Your Teen Launches Fabulously from College." For a free copy go to her website at www.CollegeCareerResults.com.

About College Career Strategist Elizabeth Venturini:

College Career Strategist and creator of Failure to Launch – Not an Option™ College Career Mentoring program, Elizabeth Venturini gladly supports stressed-out, timed-starved parents who want the best college and career options for their teenagers. Parents focus on family and jobs and receive the information they need to make a $100K plus education investment. Elizabeth is dedicated to helping parents have peace of mind getting their child into college and graduate with a degree to succeed in today’s competitive workforce. To register for Elizabeth’s programs call 949-636-9055, email at [email protected], or go to www.collegecareerresults.com.