State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is encouraging high school seniors to join the “Race to Submit” campaign, which aims to increase the number of students applying for college financial aid.

The California Student Aid Commission oversees the competition, which urges high school seniors and their families to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and California Dream Act Application.

“As a longtime runner, coach and high school teacher, I know an important race when I see one,” Torlakson said. “Filling out these financial aid applications is the first step toward college success and helps students qualify for federal, state and campus-based financial aid.”

The “Race to Submit” campaign encourages representatives of California high schools and school districts to view and track their application numbers online by visiting webutil.csac.ca.gov/dashboard. The friendly competition between California public high schools will show who submits the most applications, based on school size. The applications are also required for students who apply for Cal Grants – California’s financial aid program for higher education.

The California Student Aid Commission will recognize the top five schools at different levels. In late spring, awards will be presented to the top schools in the completion.