Creating Educational Opportunity Requires More Than a Dashboard Score
Originally posted on act.org on May 29, 2019 Media coverage of the recent ”Varsity Blues” investigation and prosecution involving celebrities and wealthy parents generated a
Equity in ACTion
Guest Blog: Let students lead, but support them at every step
There have been many changes in the education landscape since GLSEN was formed in 1990, but throughout the decades, one thing has remained the truest:
Guest Blog: The Human Rights Campaign: Working Hard for the LGBTQ Community
How has HRC been involved in education issues? The Human Rights Campaign is the nation’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve full equality and
ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning Reflects on Three Meaningful Years
As ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning marks our third anniversary, our team has been reflecting on the journey we’ve been on and the work
College-Bound Students’ Views on Paying for College
The following blog is reprinted with permission from the Education Commission of the States. The blog originally appeared on EdNote. As a means to paying
Guest Blog: PFLAG LGBTQIA People and Their Families
What does PFLAG do? Our local mission is to advocate and offer support to local LGBTQIA People and their families. We run two support groups
Inequities in Socioeconomic Opportunity: A New Opportunity to Reflect
I recently attended the release event for the newest (2018) edition of the Opportunity Index, an annual report that presents a snapshot of successes and
Celebrating Pride Starts with Supporting Students
This blog originally appeared on act.org. Prior to becoming the Principal Strategist for Diversity and Inclusion at ACT, I spent more than two decades as
Beating the Odds in Pursuit of Education and Career Success
Navigating education and career paths involves making choices and meeting challenges along the way to achieving goals. Young people from underserved populations are particularly vulnerable
Guest Blog: Summer Is Coming; Are You Ready to Stop the Melt?
Summer melt is a phenomenon by which postsecondary-intending students fail to matriculate in the fall following high school graduation. This pernicious scourge is one whose
ACAC Sets Goal of 8,000 Host Sites for 2019 Campaign Season
On May 14 and 15, the American College Application Campaign hosted its annual national convening in Washington, D.C. for the campaign state coordinators. Nearly all
ALAS SLA Preparing Next-Generation Education Leaders
If we want to help a student, we should help a teacher. If we want to help a teacher, we should help school and district
Leadership in Action with ALAS
April 29-30, 2019 marked the third annual Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Legislative Assembly and Advocacy on the Hill, and the fifth annual
Thanking Our Teachers-Our Unsung Heroes
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, a week dedicated to showing teachers and staff in schools across the nation appreciation for the important roles they play in
College Fund Publishes College-Going Guide for Native Students
The American Indian College Fund, with generous support from the Andrew Mellon Foundation, has published an invaluable tool for Native American high school students seeking
College Signing Day Excitement
Can you remember the thrill (and perhaps a little anxiety) you felt as you weighed your college decision? Would it be the right choice? Would
College Signing Day
Originally posted on act.org May 1, 2019. As millions of high school seniors across the nation prepare to graduate, many of them are also making
Guest Blog: Three Tips to Help Determine the Best College for You
The college decision-making process has really changed since I was a high school student. These days, students have so many options to get the information
American College Application Campaign Reaches Record-breaking 7,109 Schools
During the 2018 American College Application Campaign, a record-breaking 7,109 high schools* reported hosting college application completion events. And we’re thrilled to share those host
Guest Blog: Be Proactive About Your Future
Applying for college was definitely a difficult experience for me during my last couple years of high school. Since I started high school, I was
College and Career Navigation Leadership Roundtable
On March 21, ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning—in collaboration with our partners at Univision Contigo—convened a group of 100 education leaders and funders from
Guest Blog: Here’s To Strong Women
Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them. -Unknown Several years ago, I saw this quote posted
Guest Blog: I am not supposed to be here…
When I reflect on my formal education – and my leadership journey to lead a community of learners as the superintendent despite statistical disparities and
Guest Blog: An Interview with the 2019 School Counselor of the Year
What are some of the challenges in school counseling today? The most persistent challenges I see are: Imbalanced counselor-to-student ratios. The absence of school counselors in
American College Application Campaign: Preparation Pays Off in Virginia
In January, ACT announced that the American College Access Campaign (ACAC), previously housed at ACE, was becoming part of ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning.
How to Help Dual Enrollment Increase Education Equity
To us, equity is about ensuring that if some students are given a head start that the rest are not left behind. This means that
New Report Out On Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education
Anyone involved in education can tell you that there are starkly disparate outcome patterns, on a number of different measures, for students of different races
Lunch Buddy Program Tries to Connect Kids to College Planning
What is the ACT U Lunch Buddy program? ACT U Lunch Buddies is a program guided by our partnership with the Iowa City Community School
Black History Month: Celebrating Resilience, Persistence & Determination
This blog originally appeared on act.org. Just as I started high school in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford signed a proclamation declaring February as Black
Guest Blog: What It Means To Be A School Counselor Today
February 4-8 is National School Counseling Week. We are highlighting the important work school counselors do and the challenges they face in schools today. What
Mentoring: An Easy Way To Give Back
January is National Mentoring Month, launched in 2002 by the National Mentoring Partnership (MENTOR) and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to raise
Guest Blog: My Mentor: Mrs. Jensen
January is National Mentoring Month. Mentors can play an important role in young peoples’ lives and the need for mentors has never been greater. This
Impact a Life Forever Through Mentorship
Mentorship is a time-proven way for providing guidance and creating awareness of new pathways for young people. Now, more than ever, the need for mentors
Happy Holidays
We are wrapping up another busy year in ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning. We will be taking some time off from our usual
Dual Credit Enrollment Helps You Jump Start Your College Career (Part 2)
ACT recently hosted a convening, which gathered together several postsecondary institutions who are participating in the U.S. Department of Education’s Pell Grants Dual Enrollment Experimental
Dual Credit Classes Made Possible Through Pell Grant
ACT recently hosted a convening, which gathered together several postsecondary institutions who are participating in the U.S. Department of Education’s Pell Grants Dual Enrollment Experimental
Together We Can Help Students Transition Successfully From Foster Care
Picture this: You are a first-generation college student, stressed out as you enter your first finals week of your college journey. You are all alone—without
We’re Still Here – Why Aren’t You Teaching To or About Us?
“Don’t they know we’re [American Indians] still alive?” As an adult, I’ve grappled with this question many times. More often than not, I’m ashamed to
College Horizons Fills College Access Gaps
College Horizons is a nonprofit organization that encourages and facilitates the higher education of Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native youth. This year marks
Giving Tuesday: The Importance of Helping Others
Originally posted to ACT.org November 27, 2018 On this Giving Tuesday, an international day of giving to commemorate the start of the holiday season, I
FAFSA Completion: A Key to Increasing College Access for All Students
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the FAFSA, is the key to unlocking federal, state, and institutional aid to help pay for college.
We Are #ThankfulForEquity
Thanksgiving time is upon us. It seems to come back around quicker each year. With so much going on in the world today, we wanted
We Need American Indian and Alaska Native Educators
Growing up, I was certain I would never be an educator. I dreamed of being a lawyer, FBI agent, world traveler – anything but a
Parent Education Fairs Bring Information to Hispanic Families
According to the 2018 ACT Condition of College and Career Readiness report, students who meet at least one underserved criterion (first-generation college student, low-income, or
Closing Attainment Gaps at Native-Serving Institutions
Recognizing the widening gaps in the postsecondary attainment of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) compared to majority students, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher
College Fund Creates Pathways for Native Student Success
The demand for a college degree in the workplace is increasing, putting Native Americans at a disadvantage. With only 13.8 percent of American Indian and
ACTNext ETCPS 2018
From October 3‒4, ACTNext convened its annual Education Technology and Computational Psychometrics Symposium (ETCPS) in Iowa City, a recognized hub for innovative psychometric research. The
We Are Still Here: Indigenous Students and College Equity
Equity, access, and visibility for and of indigenous peoples is the heart of the American Indian College Fund’s mission. We believe deeply in the power
The Power and Promise of “Indigenuity”
Native American Heritage Month is observed in the month of November. We will feature stories from Native Americans, or institutions who serve them, and their journeys, their struggles,
Improving College Readiness Requires Equitable Access to Resources and Opportunity
All students must have access and opportunity to reach their full potential. Ensuring that students have access to a high quality, holistic education that will
The Power of College Matching: Charting a Course to Graduation
Alliance is one of the largest and most successful nonprofit charter school networks in the nation, operating 25 high-performing, public charter schools that educate 13,000
In Search of the American Dream
I am a first-generation immigrant and college student. I come from a small poor town in Guatemala where opportunity and a future look dim and
I Never Stopped Fighting For That Degree
Ever since my family and I immigrated to this country from Peru, my main objective was to receive a good education. Anytime I tried to
Insights From the Road: Roadtrip Nation Beating the Odds Documentary
By: Amy Nicknish, program manager Imagine what it’s like to be homeless as a child and going from one foster family to the next with
Intentionally Hispanic-Serving Institutions Foster Students’ Well-Being
There are currently 492 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the United States—up from 189 just over two decades ago—which collectively comprise 15 percent of American colleges
ALAS: Advocating For Underrepresented and Latino Students
September 15-October 15 is traditionally observed as Hispanic Heritage Month. We will feature stories from Hispanic Americans who will share their journeys, their struggles, and
Narrowing the homework gap
Imagine going to school and being asked to complete a homework assignment that requires you to search for material online and write a brief summary
Work and Learn Programs Demonstrate Long-Lasting Effects
By: John H. Pryor, researcher, Pryor Education Insights LLC Evidence has been mounting to show the positive outcomes for college students engaging in experiential education
Vamos a seguir adelante (Let’s keep pushing forward)!
September 15-October 15 is traditionally observed as Hispanic Heritage Month. We will feature stories from Hispanic Americans who will share their journeys, their struggles, and
Celebrating the College Application Season
By Melissa Caperton, director, American College Application Campaign September means the start of a new school year, football season and college application season. The American
Juan Garcia: Teachable Moments Only Made Me Stronger
By: Juan Garcia, director, Client Relations September 15-October 15 is traditionally observed as Hispanic Heritage Month. We will feature stories from Hispanic Americans who will
Audra M. King: Be open to possibility and to people who are different than you
By: Audra M. King, events coordinator, University of Iowa Center for Advancement As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating
Insights from Corinne, Faika, and Nikki
By: Shannon Hayes, Policy Analyst, State & Federal Policy As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating First-Generation students. A
Katie Gragnaniello: Don’t worry so much about where you fit in
By: Katie Gragnaniello, Manager, Policy Communications, State & Federal Policy As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating First-Generation students.
Tina McCoy Hearn: Growing up First-Gen in the Rural Midwest
By Tina McCoy Hearn, director for social impact, ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we
Karolyn Trumpold: Parental support early helps children succeed
By: Karolyn Trumpold, program coordinator, Talent Strategy As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating First-Generation students. A First-Generation College
Kim Bauer: Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t
By: Kim Bauer, director, Implementation Services As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating First-Generation students. A First-Generation College Student
Savanah Schott: Breathe and do your best
By: Savanah Schott, senior program manager, State Engagement As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating First-Generation students. A First-Generation
SEL, resources are keys to success
By: Christian A. Latino, Alex Casillas, PhD Prior research tells us that several pieces of student information, such as high school GPA and ACT Composite
Ada Woo: Try to learn something from everyone around you
By: Ada Woo, senior director, Strategy Implementation and Operations, ACTNext As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating First-Generation students.
Nate Scheib: I recommitted myself and went back to school
By: Nate Scheib, recruiter, Talent Acquisition As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating First-Generation students. A First-Generation College Student
Reflections from Machia: The Summer Before I Attend College
As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating First-Generation students. A First-Generation College Student is defined as a student whose
Teresa Niner: I wanted to have more opportunities
By: Teresa Niner, senior manager, Benefits & Wellness, Talent Strategy As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating First-Generation students.
Becky Bobek: I loved learning
By: Becky Bobek, director, Learning, Assessment, & Navigation Experiences Research As students across the nation head back to the classroom, we are celebrating First-Generation students.
First Generation College Students Face Challenges in Achieving a Degree
By: Alex Casillas, Principal Research Scientist, Design-based Research, ACT The number of first generation college students (FGCS) in the United States is higher than many
Guest Blog: Building a College Promise Program
By: Martha Kanter, Executive Director of the College Promise Campaign, and Yanelle Cruz, Policy and Development Fellow, College Promise Campaign At the College Promise Campaign,
Five Difficult Realities We Face When We Talk About Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
By: Jim Larimore, Chief Officer This blog was originally posted to the ACT website Friday, July 13. We do not live in an equitable world.
What the Opportunity Index Means to ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning
This article originally appeared on July 11, 2018 in Opportunity Nation The Opportunity Index is an important and vital resource which has been meaningful to
Connections Help Prevent Summer Melt
By: Amber O’Connor, Program Coordinator Summer melt, the phenomenon of students who have applied to and been accepted to college and don’t show up for
Attracting More Students to Teaching
By: Katie Gragnaniello, Manager, Policy Communications, with support from ACT’s State and Federal Policy Team Summer’s here and many teachers are taking on additional jobs—waiting
ACT, a Leader in Measurement, Broadens Focus to Student Success
By: Tom Vander Ark, CEO of Getting Smart, contributor to Education Week This article originally appeared on June 18, 2018 in Education Week and Getting
Bravado, Basketball, And Back-To-School For Sophomore Year
By: Jim Larimore, Chief Officer for the Center for Equity in Learning, is a guest contributor for the Reach Higher initiative When LeBron James steps
College Signing Day: Supporting Student Success!
By: Katie Gragnaniello, Manager, Partner Communications Again this year, we were thrilled to support and be part of College Signing Day in Philadelphia on May
Latino Students Persist in College
By: Shannon Hayes, Policy Analyst, Public Affairs The true picture of Latino college completion must be measured on a longer scale than the traditional six
Community College: Making a Difference
By: Dr. Martha J. Kanter, Executive Director, College Promise Campaign Why National Community College Month? Community colleges change lives and build productive, happier, and healthier
College Signing Day 2018: Celebrate Students in Your College Gear!
By: Katie Gragnaniello, Manager of Partner Communications College Signing Day is almost here! This year, we will mark the event with our friends from Better
Paying It Forward
By: Maya Cade-Special to ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning My first introduction to the concept of paying it forward was watching the 2000 feature
Explore ACT Marketplace
When kids are struggling academically, parents struggle too. Recently, ACT’s New Product Development has been interacting with a lot of such parents as we test
Investing in STEM: An Investment in our Future
By: Katie Gragnaniello, Manager of Partner Communications Investing in STEM education in the U.S. is an investment in innovation, opportunity, and our global competitiveness. The
Women in STEM: You Belong
This post was first published on ACT’s Blog on 3/15/18 Last week marked International Women’s Day. Recognizing such an important day allowed me to reflect
What CEOs Can Do to Improve Higher Ed Outcomes
This post was first published on the Committee for Economic Development’s Blog on 3/14/18 By: CHRISTINA GORDON, Senior Director, Center for Equity in Learning Business
Celebrating Women
Happy International Women’s Day! International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate and recognize the important achievements of women around the world. All month long
Celebrating Excellence
It’s that time of year again! Our friends at Excelencia in Education are now accepting nominations for this year’s Examples in Excelencia. Examples of Excelencia
You Belong: Yolanda Norman Inspires First-Generation College Students
We are honored and excited to have our friend, supporter, and advocate for first-generation college students, Yolanda Norman, share her experience about being the first
Thousands Benefit from Career and Education Day in Houston
By: Juan Garcia, Senior Director, Center for Equity in Learning ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning participated in the 32nd Career and Education Day in
The Gifted Gap
By: Nycole Stawinoga, Program Manager, Research & Communications I wasn’t supposed to be in the gifted program in grade school. My placement scores were considered
How the fight over the census threatens American education
This opinion piece was first published in The Hill on 2/3/2018 By: Jim Larimore, Chief Officer, ACT Center for Equity in Learning The debate about the
Mentorship: The Power of Investing in Others
We are thrilled to have our friend Eric Waldo, Executive Director of the Reach Higher initiative, share his experiences with his mentee, Verlando Brown. Eric
HBCUs: Better Growth, More Jobs, Stronger Communities
By: Nycole Stawinoga, Program Manager, Research and Communications, Center for Equity in Learning A recent report by UNCF and The University of Georgia, “HBCUs Make
Mentorship: A Significant Role in a Student’s Journey
We are excited to have Dr. Laura Owen, our friend and the Director of the Center for Postsecondary Readiness and Success at American University, guest blog