SACRAMENTO – Sacramento City Unified School District’s West Campus High School was recognized as one of the top California high schools in the 2020 Race to Submit statewide campaign for the highest financial aid application completion rates in California. 

The goal of the Race to Submit campaign is to make all California students aware that the first step toward a college education is completing a financial aid application. The campaign was sponsored by the California Student Aid Commission, which aims to increase the number of high school seniors who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). West Campus High school was recognized alongside 24 other high schools. 

“The first step toward a college education is completing a financial aid application. Congratulations to West Campus High School for their work to make sure students take this important step,” said Superintendent Jorge Aguilar. “We are so proud of West Campus High School’s achievement and  everyone who made this possible. Our goal is to provide all of our students with the necessary tools and opportunities to help them succeed.”

The FAFSA application period is from October 1st – March 2nd (priority deadline) of every year.  The success at West Campus is a result of the hard work of the students and staff at the school, as well as targeted efforts throughout Sac City Unified. Each year, Sac City Unified conducts targeted outreach and  student support to ensure that students are college ready. High school students receive customized college information packets outlining their college eligibility, using each student’s unique academic profile so that students can match schools with their interests.  These efforts have paid off for students throughout the district: 76.38% of the 2019-2020 Sac City Unified graduates completed a FAFSA through the June 30th deadline, up from just 47% of students in 2016-17.

“We hope that West Campus High School inspires others to pursue higher education beyond high school and to encourage students to complete the FAFSA or CADAA applications to help students with their future goals,”said President of the Board of Education Jessie Ryan. “Our educators are committed to providing all available resources so our students can embark and pursue a professional pathway of their choosing.”

The top high schools in California will be invited to a virtual award ceremony to celebrate their accomplishment.