Master the Steps2College
Last week, we announced the launch of a new, interactive tool to aid in the college-going process. Steps2College, a partnership among the Center, American College Application
Equity in ACTion
On the Road at NCAN 2017
Last week my colleague Juan Garcia and I joined hundreds of educators, school counselors, advocates, nonprofits, foundations, and other education leaders in San Diego for
Sandra Cisneros’ Inspirational Journey
Friday marked the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month. In acknowledgement of that, last week renowned author and activist Sandra Cisneros visited ACT’s
“What it is like to be a college student”: Taking a closer look at dual enrollment
As a first-generation college student from California’s Central Valley, my story mirrors the experience of many underrepresented students across the country who struggle in their transition to higher education.
Underserved Learners Lag Far Behind Peers in College & Career Readiness According to 2017 ACT Score Results
IOWA CITY, Iowa—Underserved students lag far behind their peers when it comes to college and career readiness, and the more underserved characteristics that students possess,
Design Sprints and the Power of Convening
In June, ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning and ACT’s Product Line Management Horizon3 team convened a group of external researchers, practitioners, and foundations to
School Time Creates Social Time
By: Amber O’Connor, Program Coordinator Back to school time has always been my favorite time of year. While I loved being in the classroom and
A Deeper Look at Working Learners
Our latest working learner reports “Who Does Work Work For? Understanding Equity in Working Learner College and Career Success” and “Equity in Working and Learning
What You Need to Know about Working and Learning
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the majority of the 30 million students in the U.S. are working learners – that is, they work at
Danger Time for College Students: Working at a Job More than 15 Hours a Week May do More Harm Than Good, Especially for Underserved Students
ACT Center for Equity in Learning’s Report Highlights Need for Lifelong Learning to Advance Equity WASHINGTON, D.C.—Aug. 28, 2017—Working more than 15 hours a week
Examples of Excelencia 2017 National Finalist: Celebrating Latino Student Success
It’s time to celebrate! Recently, our partners at Excelencia in Education announced their 2017 national finalists for Examples of Excelencia, an initiative honoring programs at
Native Students Being Left Behind
Last month, The Nation’s Rebecca Clarren wrote the gripping article “How America is Failing Native American Students.” She details the vast educational inequities Native students
Go Big Red – Celebrating 100 years of Education, Community and Kindness
It is August and back to school time. This summer there was a 100-year celebration for the Cathedral of St Raymond Parish, where I attended
Back to School: Junior High Jitters
Back to school. Never in my life had I dreaded these three words more than in 1970. All summer long my stomach rolled at the
Reflections on Charlottesville
This weekend I had “the talk” AGAIN with my sons, two young multiracial teenagers, so that they can understand what happened in Charlottesville and the
Guest Blog: Roseina Britton
Interning with ACT Center for Equity and Learning was appealing to me because when I hear the term equity, I instantly think of the image
Back to School: Sixth Grade Stars
Every year, when the class assignments got mailed, I called my friend Anice Williams to see whose class she was in. From the time we
Guest Blog: Maurice Swinney
This summer, we brought education luminaries to our ACT campus as a continuation of the Center for Equity in Learning’s Distinguished Lecture Series. We were
ADA Turns 27, but Inequity Still Exists
One week ago, the U.S. celebrated the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a federal civil rights law that
Beating the Odds Summit: A Conversation with Michelle Obama
Last week, Jim Larimore, Amy Nicknish, and I had the opportunity to sit with Former First Lady Michelle Obama at the Beating the Odds Summit
Committed to College and Career Success for Dubuque’s Underserved Population
On July 21, Juan Garcia, Roseina Britton, and I traveled to Dubuque to meet with Nancy Van Milligen, president and CEO; Julee Albers director of
Connecting with Students Creates Magical, Remarkable Results
Last month, we brought education luminaries to ACT to discuss their real-world experiences working with students in need. We heard from North Carolina elementary school
Standing Up to Summer Slide: Kids on Course University
By: Amber O’Connor, Program Coordinator, ACT Center for Equity in Learning Last week, our team stood up to summer slide by volunteering at the Zach Johnson
A Deeper Look into STEM Readiness
Some students want STEM-related learning and career opportunities so desperately, they make their own. One example is Wyatt Tauber of Minnesota, whom ACT spotlighted during
Supports for English Learners to be Provided on the ACT Test
As announced late last year, starting this fall ACT will be providing additional support for students taking the ACT who are English learners. Why is
Guest Blog: Dr. Bach Mai Dolly Nguyen
In June, the Institute for Immigration, Globalization, and Education at the University of California, Los Angeles, with support from the ACT Center for Equity in
Guest Blog: Dr. Joyce Brown
Last week, ACT hosted our Distinguished Lecture Series, inviting exceptional educators who are reaching underserved students in extraordinary ways to our Iowa City campus. Joyce
Guest Blog: Michael Bonner
By: Michael Bonner Last week, ACT hosted our Distinguished Lecture Series, which focused on exceptional educators who are reaching underserved students in extraordinary ways. Michael
Roadtrip Nation’s Willie Witte: Lessons from the Road
Roadtrip Nation is sending three students on a cross-country road trip to interview inspiring people who have overcome struggles of all kinds to complete their
Unequal STEM Preparation Further Entrenches Inequity in Education
ACT research, including our annual Condition of STEM report, has consistently shown that only just over a quarter of students who are interested in STEM
Strategic Partnerships: A Year in Review
It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since our launch. During this past year, we have strengthened our collaborative work with a
The Center Celebrates Milestone Birthday
Not long ago, college was a privilege reserved for the fortunate few. If you had money, went to the right high school, and were born
Social Impact: Making Our Mission Matter
ACT has a broad and deep history of social responsibility. Focusing on social impact is inherently connected to our mission of helping people achieve education
Closing Equity Gaps Through Research-Based Interventions
Closing educational gaps between underserved students and their peers is paramount to our nation’s social and economic viability. In this regard, accelerating the college and
Committed to Accessibility
The Center for Equity in Learning is committed to diversity and inclusion, which leads to our efforts around accessibility for students with disabilities and others.
Celebrate Latino Family Engagement on June 17
This Saturday, we will be back in New York City for a special screening of Univision’s new education documentary “Luchando por el Éxito” (Fighting for
Parent Academy: Empowering Hispanic Educational Leaders in New York City
Parent Academies are hitting the road again as we continue to empower Hispanic families in 2017. Our partnership with Univision brings Parent Academies to
NCES Report Shines Light on One of the Largest Equity Gaps in Education
There are millions of people living with disabilities in the United States. In 2015, more than 53 million adults or 22 percent of the U.S. population reported having disabilities. Those
COE 2017 Report: Attainment & Persistence in Higher Ed
Most Americans believe there are benefits to receiving a college education and earning a college degree. This is a viewpoint supported by research. Data from the National
NCES Spotlight: Homeless Children & Youth
When thinking about educational equity, one group of underserved students that often gets overlooked is homeless children and youth. Children experiencing homelessness face an array
NCES’s Latest Comprehensive Education Report
What does education in the U.S. look like in 2017? How has it changed over time? How do U.S. student achievement levels compare to international
‘Putting America First’ Means Investing in America’s Students and Jobseekers
President Trump’s budget proposal, released this morning, paints a bleak picture for America’s students, families, and workers. Investments in critically important education and workforce development
Survey by New America Sheds Light on Higher Education
Today, a college degree is more essential than ever before to secure a well-paying job. Yet, almost anyone can tell you that the financial cost
Brown v. Board of Education is 63, but Achieving Equity in Education is Still a Work in Progress
On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. A major civil rights victory—the Court’s decision in Brown v.
ACT Corporate Giving: Funding Scholarships for Migrant Students
ACT is committed to giving back to our communities, with the long-term aim of creating a lasting, social impact that aligns with ACT’s mission of
A Teacher Who Found My Voice
I don’t know if Winnie Beasley ever knew what an impact she had on my life. I was a shy 7th grader, a multiracial kid
Teachers: The Heart of Rural Schools
Growing up in a rural town and attending a rural school meant our teachers had to be much more than teachers. Teachers who teach in
Apprenticeships Spur Economic Mobility: Diversity and Working Learners
Diversity was a major topic of discussion last week at the first-ever international Apprenticeship Forward! conference in Washington, D.C., cohosted by the National Skills Coalition
Thank You: Teachers Who Believed in Me!
This week is National Teacher Appreciation week. When I think about all of the amazing teachers I had growing up, I am very grateful. I
ACT Cheers for Higher Education on College Signing Day
On May 5, students, community and education leaders, and celebrities joined former First Lady Michelle Obama in New York City to promote College Signing Day—a
Music – Singing in the New Day
The drowsy senses of elementary kids roused from the old brick school to the music ‘out building’ were best navigated on warped boards that were
Teachers are Heroes: Miss Massey
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and that’s got me thinking about all the amazing teachers who changed my life. Every kid should be lucky enough to
Marten Roorda joins Reach Higher’s Advisory Board
Reach Higher announces ACT CEO Marten Roorda will join former first Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Advisory Board. We are thrilled to be part of
Celebrate Students who Reach Higher: #CollegeSigningDay
College Signing Day is this Friday, and we are excited to celebrate students who have made their college choices. We’re marking the day by wearing
Guest Blog: Dr. Laura Owen on School Counselors
We are delighted to have Dr. Laura Owen from American University guest blog for us on the important role of school counselors, the barriers they
Scholarly Giving: Get in Formation
Beyoncé’s announcement that she would be marking the one year anniversary of her groundbreaking Lemonade album by launching Formation Scholars to, “encourage and support young
Working While Learning in High School
New research from ACT on high school working learners examines students’ entry into the workforce and what it means for their futures. Below, Mary LeFebvre,
Melissa Murer Corrigan: Women of Influence
We were honored to have our own team member Melissa Murer Corrigan awarded with a 2017 Women of Influence Award by the Corridor Business Journal
ACT Welcomes ALAS to the Superintendent Leadership Academy
ACT was pleased to welcome the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) to the Superintendent Leadership Academy (SLA) to our Iowa City campus last
Our Mission in the Making
At ACT, our mission matters to us. In fact, it is both a beacon for the future and a tactful drumbeat, guiding our day-to-day work
Mission Matters: Why We Strive for Fairness
We seek to level the playing field, ensuring our test is fair and equitable for all students. The Center for Equity in Learning collaborates with
Mission Matters: The Impact of N of 1
Positively impacting students on their college and career journeys is essential to ACT’s mission. If we can expose students to information about college and career
Mission Matters: Dignity in all Work
We believe there is worth and dignity in all work, and no one should limit another person’s potential. Hear the Center for Equity in Learning’s
Mission Matters: A Sense of Humility
We are humbled by the work we do, and seek to extend our reach and have a greater impact on all learners’ lives. Listen in
Spending Agreement a Good Deal for Underserved Students and Job Seekers
This week lawmakers on Capitol Hill have been busy putting the finishing touches on a budget agreement for the remainder of the 2017 fiscal year.
ACT Receives the Game-Changer in Education Award
ACT was honored, along with several other Johnson County (Iowa) organizations, at the United Way of Johnson and Washington County’s Power of U Community Celebration
The Supreme Court Rules to Bolster Special Education Programs and Supports
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling that requires public schools to offer special education programs and supports that meet higher standards. “When
America’s Budget Priorities Should Put Underserved Students and Workers First
The release of the President’s budget blueprint for fiscal year 2018 has rightly prompted deep concern within the education and workforce development communities, not least
Taking a Holistic Approach to College and Career Readiness
Since 2012, the number of underrepresented students taking the ACT® test has increased by 26%, with the number of those students who aspire to attain
SXSWedu Spotlights Equity & Access
Sustainably, collaboration, community, accessibility, health, and equity in education are not words commonly discussed in conversations at SXSWedu. Unlike years past, this year’s SXSWedu programming
School Counselors Count
The role of the school counselor is critical to student success, both in school and as they look ahead to college and career. A new report out
Teachers as Technologist: How the University of Iowa College of Education is Preparing New Students
ACT and the University of Iowa (UI) College of Education have a long history together, dating back to E.F. Lindquist. Lindquist was a professor at the
#EmpowerHer Twitter Chat: Global Access to a Quality Education for Women and Girls
An African proverb says, “If we educate a boy, we educate one person. If we educate a girl, we educate a family – and a
Houston Hispanic Forum
Last weekend, we again joined forces with our friends at Univision to bring a Parent Academy to the 31st annual Houston Hispanic Forum (HHF) for
Mentoring Matters
Several years ago I worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). I was a School Buddy Specialist, which meant that I matched adult volunteers with
The Next Generation of Voters
High school students are our next generation of voters. In the coming years, they are going to help shape public policy, but their views are
How you can help underrepresented students “Aim Higher”
I’ve given many presentations to educators, especially concerning students who are commonly labeled “underrepresented.” I like to work the crowd when I speak, and there’s
National School Counseling Week
This week, we celebrate National School Counseling Week. The theme this year is “School Counseling: Helping Students Realize Their Potential.” School counselors play a significant
National Heart Month: Go Red for Women
February is National Heart Month. Fifteen years ago the American Heart Association (AHA) started the Go Red for Women movement and encouraged everyone to wear
Celebrating Black History Month: Geoffrey Canada
By: Lew Montgomery & Katie Gragnaniello, ACT Center for Equity in Learning With the start of Black History Month, we’re looking back at a recent guest
Inauguration Day 2017
Today marked a significant day in history as Donald J. Trump became the 45th president of the United States. It also ushered in a new
Bridging Gaps: Hispanic Communities
Hispanic students are the fastest growing population in American public schools. Both immigration and birth rates are accelerating the number of Hispanic students enrolled in
Seasons Greetings from ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning!
As the year draws to a close, all of us would like to wish you and your family a happy holiday. May your holiday be
Mindfulness: What Helps Children Learn?
Recently over 100 ACT team members participated in a session on Mindfulness: Living and Learning as if it Matters. Meditation, mindfulness, and stress reduction are
Equity in American Education: Where We Stand
In today’s complicated world, it can be tough to understand the big picture. Case in point: The news from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Parent Academies: Empowering Hispanic Communities
ACT’s partnership with Univision Contigo’s education initiative is ending 2016 with a bang! From New York to Los Angeles and many cities in between, we have
Serving Native American Students
November was Native American Heritage Month, which celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions of American Indian and Alaskan Native peoples. But our attention to the educational
ACT Gives Back: Giving Tuesday
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop In ongoing efforts to fulfill ACT’s mission to help people achieve education
Enabling English Learners to Show What They Know
Across the United States, nearly 4.5 million K-12 students are English language learners. From 2004 to 2014, the percentage of public school students participating in
Advancing Equity Symposium
ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning (CEL) recently participated in the first ever National Advancing Equity in Adult, Community College, and Career and Technical Education
Why Apply?
What is the American College Application Campaign (ACAC)? First, thank you to ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning for inviting the American College Application
ACT Gives Back
Recently, ACT partnered with Make-A-Wish® Iowa as a Fund-A-Wish sponsor. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. The local
Changes to FAFSA Gives Access to More
Thanks to changes in the process, students were able to begin filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as October 1
Celebrating Excelencia
As National Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close on October 15, we are continuing the celebration by highlighting our joint partnership with Excelencia in
Celebrating Excelencia
As National Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close on October 15, we are continuing the celebration by highlighting our joint partnership with Excelencia in
It is Achievable
As ACT marks United Way Week, we celebrated the spirit of giving with an incredible guest speaker to follow International Day of the Girl Child.
Girl Power
International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day declared by the United Nations (UN). This day recognizes the benefits of empowering and
The New Learning Economy and the Rise of the Working Learner
Until recently, we thought of learning, working, and living as separate parts of our lives. In our younger years we went to school. We spent our
Closing the Gap: Providing After School Options to Underserved Students
ACT Center for Equity in Learning (CEL) is working in their own backyard to provide after school options for high school students at Iowa City
ACE’s American College Application Campaign Gears Up for Continued Growth, New Collaborations
The American College Application Campaign® (ACAC) this fall expects to reach hundreds of thousands of students in nearly 6,000 high schools across the country, focusing