On Wednesday, June 4, Hemet Unified School District was recognized by the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) as the recipient of the 2025-26 John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) FAFSA/CADAA Challenge Award and Recognition Incentive for Large District category in Riverside County.
Representatives from RCOE visited the district to present an award banner and Certificate of Recognition honoring HUSD’s exceptional efforts in supporting foster youth through the financial aid application process. District leaders, counselors, and student support staff gathered to celebrate the achievement and the collective work that made it possible.
During the presentation, Dr. Jason Jones, Director II of Student Support Services at RCOE, highlighted the collaborative efforts taking place across the district to ensure students have access to postsecondary opportunities and the resources needed to pursue their goals after high school.
HUSD achieved an impressive 82% FAFSA completion rate among senior foster youth, earning the highest completion rate among large school districts in Riverside County participating in the challenge.
The JBAY FAFSA/CADAA Challenge, supported by the John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY), encourages school districts to help students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) — critical steps in accessing financial aid for college, career training programs, and other postsecondary opportunities.
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Kristen Anderson said, “This recognition reflects the dedication of our counselors, student support teams, site administrators, and district staff who work tirelessly to ensure every student has the guidance and support they need to plan for their future. We are especially proud of the work being done to support our foster youth as they navigate the transition from high school to college, career, and life.”
The recognition underscores Hemet Unified’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers, expanding opportunities, and empowering all students to achieve success beyond graduation.
Congratulations to our counseling staff, foster youth liaisons, administrative team, and all those who contributed to this outstanding achievement. Their dedication continues to help students access opportunities that can positively impact their futures for years to come.