The All Star High School program, launched in 2022, extends the Apply Kansas mission to enhance college access by guiding students through the application process. Students in these schools receive support in completing admissions applications, seeking financial aid, and celebrating all postsecondary paths. This ongoing series of events, sustained year after year, cultivates a college-going atmosphere throughout the entire school community.
2026 Kansas All Star High Schools
2025 All Star High school recognition
How to Become an all star high school
1. Host an Apply Kansas Event
Register as an Apply Kansas School
Host your Application Event
2. Submit your Apply Kansas Summary Data (due annually December 1st)
3. Sponsor or collaborate on a FAFSA Completion Event (typically between Oct-Feb)
Plan an event where students & parents can start on the FAFSA application together
Event should provide support to answer specific, confidential questions for families. Financial Aid officers and Admissions representatives from local institutions are often good resources and willing to come help.
FAFSA events can be held at the high school, but can also be held at higher education institutions or other community locations if you are joining together with other high schools.
Be aware of shift work, first generation, undocumented students and other underserved populations. Try to create an event at times and in locations that meets the needs of your underserved community members.
If you host a FAFSA event in the fall, consider doing something again in Jan-Feb. Many students who would benefit most from the FAFSA aren't always ready to apply in the fall. Follow up encouragement and support in the new year might be just what some students need to finalize those postsecondary plans
4. Host a Senior Signing Day Event (around May 1)
This event should celebrate the decisions and different pathways for your seniors.
It can be as big or small as you want to make it. (Some schools make it actual signing event for all seniors and invite different colleges, and some incorporate announcing the plans of all seniors into their Honors and Awards ceremony. Creating a bulletin board, banner, poster activity, t-shirt day are all some of the many great ways you can celebrate your seniors' plans) See the link in the resources below.
Whatever you plan, consider how it will look for students planning to go to work or other placements. If you are announcing college placements, how will you announce the job placements? If you do a t-shirt day, will all students be able to participate? You might have to get creative with some of the non-traditional pathways.
Consider if you can share these pathways with your underclassmen. Can you hang the banner or bulletin board for the school community to see? Are underclassmen invited to your award ceremony. By celebrating every senior, you give all of your students an opportunity to consider a post-secondary path outside of what they already know.
5. Complete the All Star High School Survey (April 1st) from Mistie Knox to describe your three events
RESOURCES
College Signing Day National Resource Website
Google Doc with College Signing Day Photos & Ideas (add your ideas to share here!)
BANNER
Each All Star High School will receive a certificate and vinyl banner to display at school (photo 1). Each year after that, award winning schools will receive a certificate and star sticker to add to their banner, indicating multiple award winning years (photo 2).
Year #1: Banner
Year #2-5: Sticker
CONTACT
For more information:
Mistie Knox, Associate Director, Academic Affairs
Apply Kansas State Coordinator
2026 kansas fafsa challenge
Schools are able to track their FAFSA Completion Rate through the KBOR FAFSA Completion Project Data Access (see below).
Competition Structure
The Kansas FAFSA Challenge will be active from October 1*, or when the FAFSA opens, until June 30 each year. We use senior class size data as reported to KSDE, and the FAFSA completion numbers for this year as reported by FAFSA state-wide data. The winning schools will be announced and recognized annually.
FAFSA Challenge Leaderboard
Updated 1/28/2026
| High School | FAFSA Completion Percentage 70% or higher |
| Bishop Ward High School | 80% |
| Clay Center Community High | 72% |
| Greeley County Jr./Sr. High | 75% |
| Hanover High | 71% |
| Ingalls High School/Junior High | 75% |
| Macksville High | 75% |
| Plainville High | 73% |
| Quinter Jr-Sr High | 74% |
| Republic County Jr./Sr. High School | 75% |
| Solomon High | 71% |
fafsa completion project Data access
Kansas school districts are able to see your individual high school students FAFSA through the FAFSA Completion Project.
Each district submits a request for access, and the designated district contact is responsible for distributing the data to individual schools.
Here is more information: FAFSA Completion Project information
Here is the application form: FAFSA Completion Project application
FAFSA Event Resources
One of the best ways to increase FAFSA completion rates and support your students and families in navigating the FAFSA is by holding a FAFSA completion event at your school. Listed below are some lessons & resources you can share with your school community. Everything you need to plan, experts to call, and steps to follow to host a FAFSA event for your students & parents.
Planning a FAFSA Completion Event
FAFSA & Financial Aid Resources
FAFSA Completion Event Webinar Recording- January 21, 2021
Kansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (KASFAA)- Counselor Training Webinars
If you are a high school or college counselor looking to help students enter or navigate postsecondary education, many resources are available to you and your students. Explore some of the common options below.
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| Explore resources to assist high school students in applying to colleges and universities. Apply Kansas is our annual initiative where high schools host events to support seniors in their college applications, aided by school staff, community supporters, and postsecondary volunteers. | During three days, any Kansas resident, regardless of age or income can apply for free at any of our 7 public universities, 19 community colleges, 6 Technical colleges, and the 21 private member institutions of the Kansas Independent College Association. Click the image to check out the eligible programs. |
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| The Board of Regents administers several state scholarships available to students at colleges and universities across Kansas. Explore some of the options available for your students. | Explore the wide array of resources available on this page to support you in helping your students and families. From training sessions and helpful materials to walkthroughs and video links, we’re here to assist you! |
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| Kansas DegreeStats provides cost information for every degree at a public university or college in the state, along with the average earnings of graduates from those programs. Degree Stats classroom lesson you can use with your students or adapt to your needs. | Learn about the requirements for admission to state universities in Kansas and alternative options for Kansas residents. |
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| More than 100 courses transfer seamlessly across the 32 public colleges and universities in Kansas. Help your students explore those transfer options and discover their path to degree completion. | Students can earn credit at Kansas colleges and universities for demonstrating skills and knowledge equivalent to college-level learning. Options for earning this credit include AP, IB, CLEP exams, and military experience. |
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| In partnership with the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Board of Regents will recognize high schools with the highest percentage of students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. | Concurrent enrollment partnerships (CEP) facilitate the teaching of college-level learning at high schools to help students get a head start on their college careers. Learn more about CEP between Kansas high schools and postsecondary institutions. |
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| We aim to empower advisors in guiding students through their educational journey. Here, you'll find a wealth of tools, strategies, and insights to enhance your support as students navigate their path to success. | Institutional list of courses aligned with the Systemwide General Education Framework "buckets". This list is a valuable resource for advising contacts as they support students in completing individual buckets—or the full framework. Completion of a bucket or the entire framework is transferable across all systemwide institutions. |
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| Starting with the high school graduating class of 2028, students are required to obtain 2 postsecondary assets before graduating. A list of postsecondary assets can be found on the KSDE website. |
POSTSECONDARY PLANNING RESOURCES
Any resources are meant to be used in your program or shared with your students. If you have something that you think would be helpful to share with other counselors in Kansas, please email Mistie Knox,
Kansas Qualified Admission Requirements: This link will take you to the Kansas QA webpage, where you can learn more and download a flyer to share with your students
Kansas Admission Guide: This document lists every higher education institution in Kansas, provides links to admission and financial aid, and shows priority scholarship deadlines when appropriate.
Kansas Postsecondary Exploration Guide: This document lists higher education institutions in Kansas, provides links to admission and financial aid, and provides additional exploration resources.
Conference Presentation Materials
Kansas School Counseling Association Conference - May 27, 2025
Topics covered: Apply Kansas, All Star High School, Apply Free Days, Systemwide General Education Framework, and Systemwide Transfer.
Kansas State College Advising Corps Pre-Service Training - August 7, 2024
Topics covered: Apply Kansas, Apply Free Days, All Star High School, Transfer Portal, Math Pathways, Systemwide Transfer, Systemwide General Education, Academic Degree Maps, Scholarship, CTE resources, and other helpful resources available through KBOR.
Slides from Presentation
Recording (25 min)
Kansas Association for Career and Technical Education Conference - July 30, 2024
Topics covered: Students Right to Know Act, KS Degree Stats, Systemwide Transfer, Transfer KS portal, Math Pathways, Kansas Apply Free Days, Statewide Articulation Agreements, Excel in CTE, CTE Credential and Transition Incentive, Scholarships, Kansas Promise Act, and Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment.
Kansas School Counseling Association Conference - May 28, 2024
Topics covered: Apply Kansas, All Star High School, Apply Free Days, Systemwide General Education Framework, and Systemwide Transfer.
previous KBOR WEBINARs
Kansas State College Advising Corps PD series
Creating a College and Career Going Culture in your School
Date: January 21, 2026
Advising College Going Seniors
Date: February 18, 2026
Exploration for the Teenage Soul
Date: March 11, 2026
Helping your Seniors Become Career Ready
Date: April 15, 2026
For more information visit the KSCAC website.
2024 High School Heroes webinar series
September: Essential KBOR Resources for You and Your Students
Featuring: Important Websites and Resources for Year-Round Student Support
Slides from presentation
Recording (30 min)
October: Unlocking Student Success: Expert Advising Tips and Tricks
Featuring: Best Practices in Advising to Leverage Dual Credit Options
Panelists:
- Kris Farmer, Director of Advisement and Retention at Cloud County Community College
- Loni Jensen, Director of High School Partnerships at Butler Community College
- Luke Dowell, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Seward County Community College
- Nikki Brown, Assistant Director of the Academic Advising and Career Exploration Center at Fort Hays State University.
- Sara M. Smith, Assistant Dean of Instruction at Highland Community College
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Jake Brillhart, Academic Advisor at the University of Kansas Jayhawk Pre-Law Advising
Recording (60 min)
November: FAFSA: Essential Updates and Insights
Featuring: Important updates, resources, impact of the FAFSA, and the FAFSA Completion Challenge
Slides
Recording (20 min)
December: Fast Track to Degree: Accelerating Success During High School
Featuring: AP and Cambridge International
Presenters:
Andy Houpt, Kansas School Development Manager at Cambridge International
Pam Kerouac, Higher Education State Policy Consultant at Cambridge International
Mike Nick, Senior Director of K12 State Partnerships at College Board
Cambridge International Slides
AP College Board Slides
Recording (45 min)
CLEP for high schools
Tuesday, September 10th, 9-10am
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) has been assisting students in earning college credit since 1967. With 34 exams in 5 broad categories, CLEP is used by students of all educational levels, military-affiliated students, and varying educational backgrounds to show mastery of college-level material. Discover the latest research that supports CLEP for students and institutions, data and trends of CLEP participation, best practices of how to utilize CLEP as well as resources for both students and educators.
Presenter: Gini Beran, Director of CLEP Outreach
Recording (30 min)
2024 july - College trends and students right to know act
The presentation explored key trends in higher education, including data on high school graduation rates, college enrollment patterns, and the college going rates based on student demographics. We also covered statistics on Pell Grant eligibility, ACT college readiness benchmarks, and disparities in readiness across race, ethnicity, and family income. Additionally, we highlighted resources from the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) designed to support students in their postsecondary planning.
Recording (16 min)
2024 April - FAFSA for Educators Details
Educators working with high school students are invited to join KBOR and KASFAA to learn more about financial aid and ensure students receive the most accurate and up-to-date information. Whether you are seasoned at assisting students with financial aid or new, don’t miss this valuable opportunity to better support your students on their path to higher education.
Topics include: Types of Aid Available, Overview of Eligibility, Typical Timeline, Importance of filling out the FAFSA for all students, and some time for Q&A. The same topics will be covered on each date.
Presenters: Mistie Knox, KBOR Associate Director, Academic Affairs & Leah Nicholson, KASFAA Chair of the Outreach Training Committee
Recording (46 min)
2023 NOVEMBER- 2024 FAFSA CHANGES & UPDATES
Wed. Nov. 8 12:30pm- FAFSA Changes & Updates
The Department of Federal Student Aid is changing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Scheduled to open for students in December 2023, this "Better FAFSA" will expand eligibility for Federal Financial Aid, Reduce Barriers for certain students populations & offer a better user experience for those completing the FAFSA. This webinar will share the changes in the new form that we know now, show counselors how to help their students and families create an FSA ID now, review expectations and likely deadline changes for the delayed FAFSA opening and share more information about our Kansas State Scholarships.
Presenters: Michele Arellano, KBOR Director for Student Financial Assistance & Tara Lebar, KBOR Associate Director, Academic Affairs
FAFSA Changes & Updates (Click the link for YouTube Webinar Recording)
Presentation Slides & Presentation Resources
2023 APRIL- SYSTEMWIDE GENERAL EDUCATION PACKAGE
Tues. April 11 10:00am- Systemwide General Education for KS High School Professionals
The Kansas Board of Regents recently approved a new Systemwide General Education Package for all public higher education institutions beginning in the fall of 2024. This 34-35 credit hour general education package should transfer as a complete set to any other Kansas public institution, which will undoubtedly change how we advise our transfer students and high school students taking concurrent & dual credit courses. Come and learn about the basics of the new policy, the seven-course categories, how our systemwide transfer courses fit into the plan, and any potential exceptions. Get ready to start thinking about how your advising might look different for the class of 2024!
Presenter: Tara Lebar, KBOR Associate Director, Academic Affairs
Systemwide Gen Ed Overview for KS HS Professionals Webinar Recording
Presentation Slides & Systemwide Transfer Courses for Gen Ed Resource
KBOR Systemwide General Education Website
2022 SEPTEMBER- KBOR COUNSELOR RESOURCES & STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Wed. Sept 28 10:00am- KBOR Counselor Resources & Student Scholarships
The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) has several tools to help high school professionals assist their students with post-secondary planning. Come learn about the programs, resources and scholarships available for you and your students!
Presenters: Tara Lebar, KBOR Associate Director, Academic Affairs & Michele Arellano, KBOR Director of Student Financial Assistance
KBOR Counselor Resources & Student Scholarships Webinar Recording
If you are a high school or college counselor looking to help students enter or navigate postsecondary education, there are a number of resources available to you and your students. Explore some of the common options below.
Ready to finish your Kansas State High School Diploma? START NOW!
Are you 16 or older?
The GED® exam is a four-subject high school equivalency test that measures skills in four subjects: Science, Social Studies, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning Through Language Arts. Click here for more information on the Kansas GED!
Are you 21 or older?
The Kansas Pathway to Career High School Equivalency program was designed for the busy adult who has not completed their high school education nor is currently enrolled in a high school program. You can work toward your high school diploma as well as obtain a college certificate or credential. Click here for more information!
START NOW by contacting a Kansas adult education center near you or by calling 785-430-4289.
