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PHILIPPI -- Philip Barbour High School has been named a 2024 School of Excellence by ACT's American College Application Campaign.
PBHS receiving the distinction is part of the College for West Virginia (CFWV) effort to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from under-resourced communities pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential.
Philip Barbour High School is one of 26 outstanding schools being recognized nationwide, officials said.
"This recognition is a testament to our commitment to helping students pursue a postsecondary degree or other higher education credential," said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia's Chancellor of Higher Education.
"We are incredibly pleased to see Philip Barbour bring home this award. The faculty and staff have worked incredibly hard to increase their college-going rate and have shown fierce dedication to their students' success."
A press release announcing the designation states, "CFWV coordinates three annual college-planning milestones to help students in West Virginia plan their pathway to education or training beyond high school.
"Philip Barbour High School fosters a college-going culture within their school through participation in these milestone events as well as creating an overarching culture of student success within their school," the release states. "Because of this, Philip Barbour has seen an increase in their college going rate by 11 percentage points over the last few years."
The winning schools this year were "key contributors to the national campaign's success," as reported by the participating state campaigns.
Philip Barbour High School is among 5,854 participating schools that hosted a college application event last fall, the release states.
More than 477,000 seniors submitted at least one college application during events, an increase of more than 10,000 more seniors compared to 2023. Students submitted a total of 1,316,688 applications.
"Applying for college can be one of the most intimidating parts of a student's high school education," accordign to the release. "This year's recognized schools worked with students to help them better understand the process, ultimately empowering them to complete an application."
Every year, ACAC works with coordinators in nearly every state and the District of Columbia to host college application events and reach students in their schools and communities, encouraging them to apply to college. Activities in 2024 included career days and fairs, collegiate tailgates, financial aid workshops, and field trips to colleges, where students could take campus tours.
"There's something that's so rewarding about seeing our state coordinators take part in helping students navigate the admission process," ACAC Director Lisa King said. "Students feel more confident and empowered to apply to college, and thanks to initiatives like the American College Application Campaign, it all serves as a reminder of the impact we can have."
Nationally, the campaign has served nearly 5.17 million students who have submitted more than 10 million applications since 2005. This is the sixth year that ACAC has recognized outstanding schools.
For more information, visit https://impactandlearning.act.org.