FONTANA, CA – Hundreds of Fontana Unified seniors took charge of their futures during a series of College Application Submit Days (CASD) held throughout the District, culminating with a final event at Fontana High School (FOHI) on Nov. 20. FOHI was the first to launch CASD, which was recently honored with a Golden Bell Award, and builds on the school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) college-prep program.

FOHI senior Jimena Lopez submitted eight college applications: four to University of California campuses, and four to California State universities, with plans to study either forensic psychology or psychology. She said that her passion for the field comes from advocating for those she cares about, including her family, her varsity basketball teammates, and classmates.

“I want to help those who may not have the voice to stand up for themselves, and by pursuing my major, I hope to be in a position or role where I can stand up for others,” Lopez said. “I hope I give my younger siblings a good example to keep pushing forward and to never settle because there’s always more out there regardless of what happens right now – they can always reach for more in their futures.”

As Lopez clicked “submit” on her college applications, her grandma, grandpa, two younger sisters, uncle, dad, and mom, Pamela, cheered her on to celebrate. Families participated in photobooths, received college-themed stickers and t-shirts, and enjoyed a reception, honoring their students in taking on the next chapter of their lives. Lopez is the first in her family to have the opportunity to enroll in a four-year university.

“I’m extremely proud of Jimena and of everything that she’s accomplished. Her applying to college means that we’re progressing in life, and we’re doing better,” Pamela said. “When I look at her, I’m extremely proud of who she’s become and for all the goals she has accomplished.”

At FUSD, students and their families are immersed in a college-going culture starting in the eighth grade, and by senior year, students are ready to create application accounts, write personal essays, search for scholarships, and fully engage in CASD. The initiative empowers students and families to research and select colleges, encouraging them to apply broadly and dream big.

Additionally, FOHI seniors signed their commitment to attend the University of Redlands, University of La Verne, Azusa Pacific University, and Cal Baptist University during college interviews done on the spot.

The success of FOHI’s college-going model inspired similar events across the District’s five comprehensive high schools as well as surrounding school districts. College Application Submit Days held at FOHI hosted 391 students with more than 2,400 applications submitted; Summit High had 234 students with nearly 900 applications completed; Kaiser High saw 322 students submit 1,400 applications; and Jurupa Hills’ I Applied Day supported 450 students to complete nearly 2,000 applications.

At A.B. Miller High School, amidst a backdrop of black, white, and red balloons, members of the school’s Digital Audio pathway spun records at a DJ booth, while students navigated an “application passport” with a list of all the colleges they applied to. After completing the applications, the students used magic markers to fill in boxes on a cardboard “Rebels2College” thermometer, while an A.B. Miller teacher announced the names of the colleges students applied to over a loudspeaker.

Students finished their day by taking photos with signs that read “I Applied to College” and “College Bound,” writing notes to teachers and others who inspired them at a gratitude table, receiving a complimentary A.B. Miller “Applied” t-shirt, and celebrating with their families with a slice of cake. A.B. Miller had 180 students participate, filling out 1,025 applications.

The next day, A.B. Miller hosted a Chaffey College Senior Early Transition event for students interested in attending community college. The event provided potential students with information on how to apply to Chaffey, assisted with math and English placement, and gave participating students priority registration for the next school term. Nearly 100 students submitted applications to Chaffey.

“College Application Submit Day brings the whole school together,” A.B. Miller counselor Denise Key said. “Our AVID, Renaissance, and Associated Student Body programs all provided leadership, and our Digital Audio and TV Production pathway students helped create an exciting atmosphere. Choosing a college is among the biggest decisions a family can make. College Submit Day provides the resources they need, and it’s fun.”

A.B. Miller senior Amber Alcantar filled out applications for eight colleges, with Cal State University Dominguez Hills as her top choice. Alcantar is looking to major in child development and minor in biochemistry, as well as play college softball.

“It’s an eye-opening moment for me,” Alcantar said. “My high school life is coming to an end, and I need to prepare for it the best I can. College Application Submit Day really helps.”

Amber was accompanied by her parents, Art and Andrea Alcantar, who posed for photos with Amber and enjoyed the positive atmosphere.

“I’m incredibly proud of the strong college-going culture our students and educators have built in Fontana Unified,” FUSD Superintendent Miki R. Inbody said. “Seeing so many of our seniors confidently prepared and on a clear pathway to four-year universities reflects the exceptional work happening across our schools.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

FUSD_CollegeAppDay1: Fontana High School senior Hugo Ramirez (left) signs his official acceptance to Azusa Pacific University, alongside his math teacher, Brandy Hills (right) during College Application Submit Day (CASD) on Nov. 20, where 72 seniors signed their commitment to attend a four-year university.

FUSD_CollegeAppDay2: One hundred A.B. Miller seniors submitted 1,250 college applications during their CASD on Nov. 19, which included writing notes of gratitude to their teachers for supporting them in their college-preparedness journey.

FUSD_CollegeAppDay3: Jurupa Hills High School’s I Applied Day supported 450 seniors in Nov. to complete nearly 2,000 applications to various four-year colleges and universities.

FUSD_CollegeAppDay4: Summit High School saw 234 seniors submit nearly 900 applications at their CASD celebratory event in Nov., supporting students in taking the next step in their academic journey.

FUSD_CollegeAppDay5: Kaiser High School celebrated 322 seniors during their CASD in Nov., submitting a total of 1,400 college applications.