I as a parent found out about usna when my then sophomore brought home a recruiting letter from usna coach, that had been sent to his HS coach. Had never heard of a SA before that. He wouldn’t have applied to one (so thankful to that volunteer recruiter that put in HOURS exploring stats online!!). So his packet had a ton of info and things to return, that opened the communication line for him. After his counselor knew he was applying, she forwarded a MOC service academy open house, when DS got his info. That’s how he connected with nomination process.
It blows my mind

sometimes to think how that ONE letter changed so much in our family: youngest is also currently applying, oldest joined ANG. And how things could have been SO different. I personally believe it’s been a (divinely) led process too, as a person of faith.
My personal opinion, is that getting word out through the schools would help. Don’t really know how that’s accomplished. In our case, we pretty much educated admin more than getting info FROM them. But a career counselor could identify prospects. I also know some school admins stay away from military stuff. I know our career counselor has applied to the counselor “training” event hosted by USNA but hasn’t been selected.
I have offered myself as a resource to our school. I know there are BGO’s for this...we don’t have one FROM our school. So as a parent, if counselor had a student/parent want info from a student/parent I would guide them to BGO.
And the forums of course