Shyam R. Gadwal, vice president of programs, APIA Scholars
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor their contributions and rich heritage. Learn about the many ways you can celebrate
Erika Rodriguez, ACT Scholar and student at Kirkwood Community College
More than a decade ago, as part of ACT’s 50th anniversary celebration, ACT established the ACT Scholars Program, as part of a pair of endowments to
Adrienne Enriquez, state training and communications manager, American College Application Campaign
This is the third of three blogs featuring current college students who participated in American College Application Campaign events. This blog features Isabella Macias, a
Yessica Ramirez-Santos, student, Kirkwood Community College and ACT Scholar
More than a decade ago, as part of ACT’s 50th anniversary celebration, ACT established the ACT Scholars Program, as part of a pair of endowments to
Nick Watson, CollegePoint lead, Bloomberg Philanthropies
CollegePoint and ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning have been working together since 2018 to help increase the number of high-achieving, low- and moderate-income students
Jheanelle Johnson, freshman, Howard University
This is the second of three blogs featuring current college students who participated in American College Application Campaign events. Why did you apply to college?
Omolola Ahnaman, Ph.D. candidate and ACT Scholar, University of Iowa
In celebration of a decade of the ACT Scholar program, we are highlighting our ACT Scholars and their education journey. Read more about the program
Shamira Rothmiller, Ph.D. and ACT Scholar
What was your motivation for going to college and earning a degree? My motivation for going to college and earning a degree was inspired by
Taylor Scudder, teacher, Northwest Junior High School
What was your motivation for going to college and earning a degree? Who inspired or supported you in your college-going journey? When thinking back about
Alfonso Martinez, educational measurement and statistics graduate student and ACT Scholar, University of Iowa
What was your motivation for going to college and earning a degree? My college journey began when I was sophomore in high school when my
Amber O’Connor, program manager II
Earlier this month, the Center, ACAC, and Mawi Learning partnered with seven equity- and college-access-focused organizations for a #COVIDEquityChat chat on Twitter that centered around
Bryan Contreras, vice president, K-12 & education partnerships, myOptions
Over the past few weeks, I have spent several beautiful evenings in Houston on the front yards of my close friends’ homes celebrating their kids’
Adrienne Enriquez, statewide initiatives and strategic partnerships, Oregon GEAR UP and Oregon Goes to College state campaign coordinator
Every community faces barriers preventing students from going to college, but the challenges our rural communities have faced year after year may provide guidance for
Cheryl Crazy Bull (Sicangu Lakota), president & CEO, American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund has helped Native students access higher education for more than 30 years. We’ve made incredible progress in that time, with
Stephanie Sprow Owens, director of programming, Reach Higher at the Common App
College Signing Day is very special to Reach Higher. In spring 2014, our team planned the first national College Signing Day. Former First Lady Michelle
John Branam, executive director, Get Schooled
What is the #WeBelongInCollege campaign? #WeBelongInCollege is a highly interactive, impactful social media campaign that encourages students to share a story about a time when
Edward Smith-Lewis, executive director, Institute for Capacity Building, UNCF
On the day of my high school graduation, an article about my life made the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle. “Education was His
Mirra Anson, director, Academic Support and Retention, University of Iowa
The system is designed to get the exact results we are getting. I heard a statement like this several years ago at a national conference.
Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are congressionally defined as “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission
Jahshua Smith, program supervisor-Metro Detroit Region, AdviseMI
This blog reposted with permission from Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) and originally appeared here. The spirit of Black History Month has been ingrained in
Ignacio Ruiz, assistant superintendent of the English Language Learner division, Clark County School District and president/founder, Nevada Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (NVALAS)
January is National Mentoring Month and in celebration of that, we will feature several guest blogs from professionals regarding the importance of mentoring. What is
Brittani Williams, financial aid and career development specialist, Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
January is National Mentoring Month and in celebration of that, we will feature several guest blogs from professionals regarding the importance of mentoring. What is
Erik Stegman, Carry the Kettle First Nation (Nakoda), executive director, Center for Native American Youth, Aspen Institute
During the month of November we recognize Native American Heritage Month by introducing you to a group of innovators and leaders who move us forward
Melissa Caperton, director, American College Application Campaign
December is almost here which means nearly all of our state college application campaigns are coming to an end. Yet our work supporting those who
Stephanie J. Waterman (Onondaga, Turtle Clan), associate professor, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
During the month of November we recognize Native American Heritage Month by introducing you to a group of innovators and leaders who move us forward
Amber O'Connor, program manager
Last month, we traveled to California twice to participate in Univision parent fairs and present to Hispanic families about financial aid, the college-going process, and
Jim Larimore (Comanche), Chief Officer
More than a century ago, the great Lakota leader Chief Sitting Bull said, “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can
Stephanie Owens, director of programming, Reach Higher at the Common App
This past summer at the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Guiding the Way to Inclusion conference, one of my co-presenters started her PowerPoint
Gerrick Hampton, Ed.D., associate director for student affairs, South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and South Carolina College Application Month state coordinator
What is College Application Month South Carolina? College Application Month South Carolina, or CAM SC, is South Carolina’s adaptation of the American College Application Campaign.
Jamie Covell, community engagement consultant, Iowa College Aid
Over the course of this month, you’ll hear from financial aid experts about how their organizations are tackling this incredibly important step in the college-going process.
Brittani Williams, financial aid and career development specialist, Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
Over the course of this month, you’ll hear from financial aid experts about how their organizations are tackling this incredibly important step in the college-going process.
Jim Larimore, chief officer
What happens when you put research scholars, practitioners, policy experts, education leaders, funders, and students in the same room to address issues as complex and
Jessica Martinez Vasquez, University of Colorado-Boulder graduate
September 15-October 15 is traditionally observed as Hispanic Heritage Month. This month, we are featuring guest bloggers who are sharing their stories of what it
Lisa King, senior communications specialist
Last month, as we welcomed the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, The Education Trust released Broken Mirrors II: Latino Student Representation at Public State
Bill Rinkenbaugh, vice president of student services, Butler Community College
Over the course of this month, you’ll hear from financial aid experts about how their organizations are tackling this incredibly important step in the college-going process.
Melissa Caperton, director, ACAC
The American College Application Campaign (ACAC) was delighted to be a presenter at the 2019 National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Annual Conference which
Amber O'Connor, program manager
It’s October 1, and if you are in the college-going process, as my household is, hopefully you know the significance of the day– the Federal
Jim Larimore, Chief Officer
This blog originally appeared on forbes.com on Friday, September 20, 2019. It is officially college application season and thousands of schools across the country are
Jim Larimore, Chief Officer
This article originally appeared on act.org Since ACT’s founding 60 years ago, we have always believed every student deserves a fair opportunity to be successful.
Lisa King, senior communications specialist, American College Application Campaign
Higher education will determine the future of our nation, yet often students from underserved backgrounds are not given the opportunity or support they need to
Lisa King, senior communications specialist, American College Application Campaign
This fall, Pennsylvania’s College Application Campaign is taking a new approach to ensure more community members apply to college. Approximately 20 libraries across Pennsylvania –
Jennifer McNabb, director Project Connect, Mount Mercy University
As students across the nation head back to the classroom this month, we are celebrating First-Generation students. A First-Generation College Student is defined as a
By: Amber O'Connor, program manager
This week, Jim Larimore, chief officer; Lew Montgomery, program director; and I had the opportunity to attend the Des Moines Public Schools’ fourth annual Summit
Lew Montgomery, program director, with support from Amy Nicknish, program manager
We recently attended Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s National Keystone Conference. You can learn more about our work with BGCA below. What is the
Beth Malicki, board director, Zach Johnson Foundation
Summer vacation in America typically elicits images of family getaways and new adventures. But for about half of the children in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the
Alina von Davier, senior vice president, ACTNext; Jim Larimore, chief officer; Wayne Camara, PhD, ACT's Horace Man chair, Research
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
Becky Bobek, PhD, director, Learning, Assessment, and Navigation Experiences Research
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
Melissa Caperton, director, American College Application Campaign
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
Matthew Makomenaw (Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians), College Pathways manager, and Amanda R. Tachine, Ph.D. (Navajo Nation), research and evaluation associate, American Indian College Fund
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
Christina Gordon, senior director
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
Jim Larimore, chief officer
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
Melissa Caperton, director
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
Zahra Aalabdulrasul, student, University of Iowa
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
Jim Larimore and Gregory Kienzl
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
Amber O'Connor, program manager
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
Amber O'Connor, program manager
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
Susan Faircloth, Ph.D. (Coharie), professor & director, School of Education, Colorado State University
Growing up, I was certain I would never be an educator. I dreamed of being a lawyer, FBI agent, world traveler – anything but a
Lori Swartzendruber, program manager
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
Ken Pepion (Blackfeet), senior project director, WICHE
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
Matthew Makomenaw (Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians), College Pathways manager, American Indian College Fund
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
Cheryl Crazy Bull (Sicangu Lakota), president & CEO, American Indian College Fund
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
Jim Larimore (Comanche), chief officer
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,
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
Jasmine Pachnanda, chief college officer, Alliance College-Ready Public School
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
Renzo Reyes, consulting analyst, Accenture
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
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
Alex Casillas, principal research scientist, ACT
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
By: Alex Casillas, Ph.D., Principal Research Psychologist and Christian A. Latino, Research Assistant, ACT Demographics in the U.S. are changing. Today, most first-generation college students,
Earlier this week, STEMx interviewed Christina Gordon, Senior Director at ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning to learn more about the Center and the work we
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,
Katie Gragnaniello, Manager, Partner Communications
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
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
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
Christina Gordon, Senior Director
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
Lori Swartzendruber
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
Juan Garcia, Senior Director, ACT Center for Equity in Learning
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
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
