SAN JOSE, CA – High school seniors have 130 days to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) before the deadline on March 2, 2018.
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) encourages all California high school seniors and their families to fill out applications for college financial aid, as well as join the "Race to Submit" competition, which aims to increase the number of students applying for college financial aid.
"The Race to Submit Campaign is a friendly competition to help more graduating high school seniors access the more than $6 billion in free financial aid available in California," said Lupita Cortez Alcalá, Executive Director of the CSAC.
Based on school size, California public high schools will compete to see which schools can submit the most applications. All California high schools, school districts, and county offices are encouraged to view and track their FAFSA and CADAA numbers online using the Race to Submit dashboard tool, which measures the number of submitted and completed applications.
"Filling out these financial aid applications is the first step towards college success and helps students qualify for federal, state, and campus-based financial aid," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. "As a longtime runner, coach and high school teacher, I know an important race when I see one."
The Race to Submit dashboard can also be used to view the number of Cal Grants awarded to schools, districts, and counties, and the results are updated weekly. CSAC will recognize the top five schools at different levels, and awards will be presented in the spring of 2018 to the top schools that made significant strides in FAFSA and CADAA completion.
For more information, contact Robert Oakes via e-mail at communications@cde.ca.gov or call (916) 319-0818.
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The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional and business services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The SCCOE serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The Office also provides curriculum support, staff development, and technology support and training directly to teachers and staff in schools countywide.