College Kickoff is an opportunity to promote the college application season and help students throughout Riverside County recognize the importance of planning for their college and career endeavors. SJUSD is committed to ensuring that all of our students graduate college and career ready. All 13 schools will be participating in virtual activities promoting college and career enabling all of our students to start thinking about post-secondary plans.
The Riverside County Office of Education challenged each school district to implement activities for students, parents and community partners to explore and emphasize the importance of planning for post-secondary education, including two- and four-year college, trade school and/or the military.
At the high school level, seniors will focus on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act, as well as completing a college application. Students in grades 9 through 11 will be receiving virtual college preparation lessons and are invited to attend virtual college tours as well as attend college presentations hosted by various college admission representatives.
Last year, San Jacinto High School’s graduation rate was 93.2%. San Jacinto High School seniors had a 82% completion rate for financial aid applications. SJUSD’s 2020 graduates earned over $3.7 million dollars in grants and scholarships.
Dr. Vanessa Gomez, SJUSD’s Coordinator said, “SJUSD will have college and career activities at all elementary schools for the kickoff event, because planting the seed in all our students to start thinking about future possibilities can be a predictor of student success after high school.”
Plans for October 14 include students and staff adorning their favorite college shirts and virtual presentations to hear about various colleges and careers, and participation in virtual college field trips, just to name a few activities that will be held.
“Without a doubt, this is one of the most exciting times of the school year! Our seniors can see the light at the end of the K-12 tunnel and are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their educational lives,” said Dr. David Pyle, SJUSD Superintendent. "This is our vision for all our students, implementing College Kickoff Day on every campus, from our preschools to high schools, signifies our commitment to preparing all students to be successful as they choose their own unique future.”