FONTANA, CA – Jurupa Hills and Fontana high schools both earned top positions in the California Student Aid Commission’s Race to Submit campaign for their exemplary Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) completion rates among Class of 2023 graduates, showcasing Fontana Unified School District’s dedication to promoting college readiness.

The Commission holds the Race to Submit campaign every year to ensure that students take the first step toward college preparedness by filling out crucial financial aid applications. Schools are divided into different levels based on their senior enrollment and are ranked by the highest percentage of completed FAFSA/CADAAs and matching GPAs. Fontana High School’s Class of 2023 ranked fourth in level six with a 92.11% completion rate and Jurupa Hills High’s Class of 2023 was sixth in level five with a 92.98% completion rate, according to the most recent data available from June 30, 2023.

“Our high FAFSA and CADAA completion rates really highlight our District’s commitment to breaking down barriers our students face when it comes to college,” Superintendent Miki R. Inbody said. “We ensure that every student has the necessary resources and support to take the next step in their education after high school.”

The Race to Submit for the Class of 2024 will begin in November when every Fontana Unified comprehensive high school hosts their annual “I Applied Day” celebrations. The District provides students and their families with a wide range of support leading all the way up to graduation, including assistance completing financial aid paperwork and workshops on financial aid awareness and completion.

“The different opportunities we offer our students throughout the year ensures that they have time set aside to work on and complete their applications and financial aid paperwork,” Inbody said. “We work tirelessly to ensure that every student feels fully equipped and encouraged to dive into the next chapter of their lives.”

Jurupa Hills and Fontana high schools will attend the Race to Submit award ceremony at the Annual College Affordability Summit on Nov. 8, where each winning school will receive a banner to commemorate the accomplishment of their Class of 2023 graduates.

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FUSD_SUBMIT1: Jurupa Hills High School is one of two Fontana Unified high schools recognized in the California Student Aid Commission’s 2023-24 Race to Submit campaign for their exemplary Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) completion rates. Jurupa Hills High’s Class of 2023 ranked sixth in level five with a 92.98% completion rate.

FUSD_SUBMIT2: Fontana High School’s 2023 graduating class ranked fourth in its level in the California Student Aid Commission’s Race to Submit campaign with a 92.11% completion rate on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Fontana High is one of two schools in Fontana Unified to qualify for a Race to Submit recognition.