NSHE Board of Regents Honors Nevada FAFSA Challenge Winners

Three high schools recognized for leading gains in FAFSA completion across the state 

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents honored the winners of the second annual Nevada FAFSA Challenge during its September quarterly meeting, recognizing three high schools for the largest increases in FAFSA completion over the previous year. 

Indian Springs High School, West Career and Technical Academy, and Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts were honored as this year’s winners. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, helps students access financial aid for education after high school. 

“The Board is proud to recognize these schools because their progress represents real work on behalf of students,” said Chair of the Board of Regents Stephanie Goodman. “Completing the FAFSA is an important step students can take to understand their options, access financial aid, and continue their education after high school.” 

The Challenge recognizes high schools that achieve the greatest increase in the percentage of seniors completing the FAFSA over the previous year, with three categories based on senior class size. 

• Indian Springs High School, which increased FAFSA completion by 25.83 percentage points among schools with senior class sizes of up to 199 students. 

• West Career and Technical Academy, which increased FAFSA completion by 8.66 percentage points among schools with senior class sizes of 200 to 499 students. 

• Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts, which increased FAFSA completion by 7.53 percentage points among schools with senior class sizes of 500 or more students. 

“It can turn college or career training from something that feels financially out of reach into something that is clearly attainable,” said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. “These schools helped more students become aware of the resources available to them, and that deserves to be celebrated.” 

All three winning schools are part of the Clark County School District. 

“CCSD has set a goal for every graduate to have a solid plan to enter college, career, or the military. FAFSA completion is an important part of helping students understand their options,” said Superintendent Jhone Ebert. “We are proud of Indian Springs High School, West Career and Technical Academy, and Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts for earning this recognition. We also thank the counselors, educators, administrators, students, and families who helped make this progress possible and are working to make CCSD the Destination District.” 

As schools begin a new academic year and prepare for the next FAFSA cycle, the Challenge helps keep attention on FAFSA completion and the financial aid opportunities available to students. Other efforts include NSHE’s FAFSA Completion Initiative and Apply Nevada, which provide schools, counselors, students, and families with data, workshops, and resources.  

Completing the FAFSA can make a major difference in whether students continue their education after high school. National data shows that high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84 percent more likely to enroll in postsecondary education immediately after graduation than those who do not. Supporting FAFSA completion also aligns with the Board of Regents’ 2025-2031 Strategic Plan, Success by Design, which prioritizes expanding access to higher education and improving student success across Nevada. 

Media Availability 

Representatives from NSHE and partner organizations are available to discuss the Nevada FAFSA Challenge, FAFSA completion efforts, and the impact on Nevada students.