College & Career Culture Recognition Program

Washington’s Annual Statewide College & Career Culture Recognition Program

Washington’s Annual Statewide College & Career Culture Recognition program honors high schools that demonstrate a strong, equitable, and sustainable college-going culture.

This initiative recognizes schools that create inclusive environments where students—particularly first-generation, low-income, or historically underserved—are encouraged and supported to pursue education beyond high school.

This program provides an opportunity to:

Showcase and celebrate the impactful college access work happening in your school.
Gain statewide recognition from education leaders and partner organizations.
Strengthen district-wide support for college and financial aid initiatives.
Elevate your school's efforts and inspire peer learning across Washington.

No matter your school's size or resources, this is your opportunity to tell your story and amplify the work you're doing.

Deadline to sign up: Friday, May 15

How to Participate

Schools must take two simple steps to participate:

Confirm Participation
- Schools must confirm their intent to participate by completing the sign-up form by Friday, May 15.
Submit School Data
- Participating schools will complete a Data Submission Form that gathers the information needed for evaluation.
  - WSAC will email the form to the primary contact listed on the sign-up form, along with any additional staff identified during sign-up.
  - Schools may collaborate internally, but only one submission per school is required.
  - Data submission forms are due Tuesday, June 30.

Evaluation Metrics

Evaluation criteria will reflect a balance between quantitative outcomes and qualitative indicators of institutional support, focusing on the following evidence-based metrics:

Postsecondary enrollment and persistence rates, as measures through state and/or school-level longitudinal data systems.
FAFSA completion rates, a leading indicator of college enrollment and financial aid access.
Access to and participation in advanced coursework, including dual credit, AP, IB, and CTE pathways that align with postsecondary readiness.
College and career advising structures, including counselor-to-student ratios, dedicated college readiness programming, and student engagement in planning tools.
Schoolwide practices and leadership initiatives that promote equitable expectations, inclusive messaging, and sustained support for all student populations.

Data Submission

Participating schools will provide insight into both quantitative metrics and qualitative practices that contribute to their strong college-going culture by submitting their Data Submission Form.

The form is designed to share context, highlight schools’ unique strengths, and reflect diverse school models & capacities. Not every section needs to be completed by every school.

Self-reported metrics include information on:

College & Career Readiness Curriculum and Programs
Support for First-Generation & Low-Income Students
Summer & Post-Graduation Tracking and Support
Parent & Family Engagement
Financial Aid Literacy & Completion
Scholarship Availability & Access
Community Partnerships

Selection Process

A review committee composed of statewide education partners will evaluate submissions using a holistic, weighted rubric. To ensure a fair, consistent, and transparent selection process, schools will be evaluated only on metrics applicable to them.

Selected schools will be announced at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

Review Committee

The recognition program review committee, composed of statewide education partners, includes:

Aurora Flores, Washington School Counselors Association
Scott Friedman, Association of Washington School Principals
Carolina Garza, College Success Foundation
Lilia Hueso, Moses Lake School District
Isaac Rodriguez, Washington Student Achievement Council
Susan Rose, Quincy High School
Alyson Rotter, Olympic College
Jeff Snell, Washington Association of School Administrators
Rathi Sudhakara, Washington Student Achievement Council

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate?
Any Washington high school.
Is participation required or optional?
Participation is completely optional but highly encouraged.
Is there a cost to participate?
No.
Do schools have to complete all sections of the Data Submission Form to receive recognition?
No. The form is designed to share context, highlight schools’ unique strengths, and reflect diverse school models & capacities – not every section needs to be completed by every school.
Where can schools learn more and sign up?
Access the sign-up form here. Additional guidance will be shared directly with schools. For further questions, please contact Isaac Rodriguez at isaac.rodriguez@wsac.wa.gov.