Message from California State PTA Sponsor, College Board
As a parent, you play a powerful role in shaping your child’s future. When families are engaged—asking questions, encouraging exploration, and helping students plan ahead—students are more likely to graduate from high school ready for college and careers. At the College Board, we believe access and opportunity grow when parents and schools work together.
One meaningful way to support your student is by helping them challenge themselves academically in high school. Advanced Placement (AP) courses give students the chance to tackle college-level work, build confidence, and develop critical thinking and time-management skills. Research consistently shows that students who take AP are more likely to enroll in college and graduate on time. Beyond academics, AP can help students stand out in college admissions and, in many cases, earn college credit, saving families time and money.
Parents can also help students connect today’s coursework to tomorrow’s goals. BigFuture, the College Board’s free planning platform, offers tools to explore careers, search for colleges, understand financial aid, and track important milestones. Through the BigFuture Scholarships program, students can earn chances for scholarship awards simply by completing key college-planning steps—like building a college list or submitting the FAFSA®—no GPA or test score required.
Your encouragement matters. Talk with your student about their interests, meet with school counselors, and explore AP and BigFuture together. By staying involved and informed, you help expand what’s possible—giving your student greater access to higher education, meaningful careers, and the opportunities they deserve after high school.
California State PTA is a nonprofit and non-commercial volunteer organization and does not endorse any product, publication, or business associated with sponsorship partners.