The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce State of Education luncheon recognizes the achievements of top public schools in several categories. 

At the ninth annual event Nov. 18, several outstanding Austin ISD high schools were recognized for their success in preparing students for college:

• Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders and Crockett and Garza Independence high schools: Highest percentage of students (97 percent–100 percent) Submitting Texas Common Applications (Apply Texas)
• Ann Richards YWLA and McCallum High School: Highest rate (51 percent–88 percent) of students completing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Liberal Arts and Science Academy: Highest direct college enrollment rate (88 percent)
• Eastside Memorial High School: Second-highest improvement (40 percent in 2013, up from 33 percent in 2012) in direct-to-college enrollment rates
• Ann Richards YWLA, Anderson High School and LASA: Highest rate of seniors (92 percent–100 percent) submitting Chamber of Commerce survey

“As we heard from the speakers at the State of Education event, preparing students for postsecondary education is essential to the continued prosperity of our local economy,” said Interim Superintendent Paul Cruz. “These awards reflect our district’s strong commitment to preparing students for college and beyond.”

The Austin Chamber has a strategic partnership with 11 regional chambers of commerce and 11 school districts to produce annual Community Education Reports.

The reports detail the progress of the school districts in high school graduation rates, college readiness and college enrollment. The awards given at the State of the Education event are partially based on those reports.