The National Collegiate Athletic Association 

NCAA is the governing body for around 1200 schools. It consists of three divisions (Division I, II, and III) and oversees 24 sports. Divisions I and II both offer athletic scholarships, with over 126,000 student-athletes receiving partial or full athletic scholarships. However, Division III student-athletes can only receive academic or non-athletic scholarships – no athletic scholarships are allowed. Each year, the NCAA hands out about $1 billion in athletic scholarships, with the rest coming from the individual school.

If you are a top athlete, you will need to follow this process to take full advantage of athletics at the college level:

• • Student takes academic college preparatory courses, preferably one in each of the following areas: English, math, science, social studies and foreign language. 
  • The student should compare course selection against the list of NCAA approved core courses. 

• Student continues to take college preparatory courses in the areas listed above. 
• Student registers for the SAT and/or ACT, making sure to use code 9999 at the time of registration. Using code 9999 will ensure the score is reported directly to the Eligibility Center. 
• Student registers with the NCAA Eligibility Center and completes both the academic information and the amateurism questionnaire to verify your amateur athlete status.
•  At the end of the student’s sixth semester, the guidance counselor sends the student’s transcript (or transcripts, if more than one high school) to the eligibility center. 

• Student continues to take college preparatory courses in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language. 
• Student registers for additional ACT/SAT tests if necessary, making sure to use code 9999 at the time of registration. 
• On or after April 1 of the senior year, the student goes back into their eligibility center account to update their academic and amateurism information and request final amateurism certification. 
• After graduation, the guidance counselor sends the student’s final transcript (which needs to include the date that the student graduated) to the eligibility center. 

Building a Strong College‑Ready Profile Through High School Involvement

KHSD encourages all students to get involved during high school to build a strong, competitive college‑ready profile. Colleges look for students who show initiative, leadership, and commitment beyond the classroom. Participation in volunteer work, part‑time employment, and student clubs helps students develop responsibility, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community—qualities that stand out in college admissions.

Students can also earn special recognitions that highlight academic excellence and civic engagement:

• California Seal of Biliteracy – Awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and a second language by meeting requirements such as passing an English assessment or completing English coursework with a 3.0 GPA, and passing a world language assessment or completing world language coursework. Recipients earn an official seal on their diploma.

• California Seal of Civic Engagement – Recognizes students who demonstrate civic understanding, complete a civic engagement project, reflect on their civic skills, and show strong civic character. Recipients earn a gold cord at graduation.  Speak to your Government teachers for more information. 

• NHS & CSF Honors – Students who qualify for NHS or CSF demonstrate academic excellence, service, and leadership. Seniors who meet CSF lifetime membership requirements also earn graduation regalia.