The White House | High Tech High in San Diego, California is a finalist in The White House 2011 Race to the Top Commencement Challenge. These schools represent the very best American public education has to offer. We are so proud of the all the teachers, students, administrators, parents and communities who are working together to help meet President Obama’s goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020.

Jordy Jarvis | I am a senior at High Tech High International in San Diego. Recently I mentioned Ray Kurzweil and his ideas as part of an interview for a video made as part of The White House 2011 Race to the Top Commencement Challenge. Seniors from my school made this video. The videos with the top 3 percentage of votes will be given to Obama, where he will decide the ultimate winner and speak and that High School’s graduation. My school would be more than happy to have a visit from Mr. Kurzweil any time — the Singularity already has a large following here. Thanks a lot for everything you do Mr. Kurzweil.

About the The Commencement Challenge | The Commencement Challenge invites public high schools across the country to demonstrate how their school best prepares them for college and a career, helping America win the future by out-educating our competitors and achieving President Obama’s goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.

The application includes essay questions and statistical information that illustrate how schools are promoting college and career readiness for all students while establishing a culture of student success and academic excellence. The winning school will host President Obama as their 2011 commencement speaker. The White House has partnered with Viacom and the Get Schooled Foundation to launch the 2011 Commencement Challenge.