A statewide program to increase the number of high school students applying to colleges launched this month.
The Arizona College Application Campaign is now operating in 46 Arizona high schools. They set time aside during the school day for seniors to complete applications with help from coordinators.
A special focus is placed on low-income students who are unfamiliar with the process and don’t think college is financially attainable. Dr. April Osborn, the executive director of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education, said it is especially important for these students to apply and see where the process takes him or her.
“Unfortunately, funding for students is not transparent," she said. "So the only way that they know is to apply for a college, and then apply to the federal government for funding."
The Arizona CAC is part of a nationwide program to get every high school senior to complete at least one application for post-secondary education. That includes vocational schools and the military, along with community and four-year colleges.
Central High School in Phoenix had 98 percent of their seniors complete an application in 2014.
"It’s the beginning, it’s just the beginning. But if you don’t start, if you don’t take the first step, you don’t get there," Osborn said.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been modified to relfect the correct name of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education.
Updated 11/23/2015 at 4:11 p.m.