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Building a Skilled Workforce Without Degrees: How States Are Using ACT WorkKeys and NCRC to Power Economic Growth

From the pandemic to recent federal government policies, the past five years have been challenging for state departments of education and em...

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students training and working in a manufacturing plant

From the pandemic to recent federal government policies, the past five years have been challenging for state departments of education and employers, especially those in technical trades and manufacturing industries. But the demand for middle-skilled workers in those roles continues to grow.


As the labor market and education systems evolve, many states are having to find creative ways to help bridge gaps between students not pursuing a four-year degree and employers struggling to fill essential roles. Creating alternative pathways for these students is key to expanding opportunity, meeting workforce demand, and boosting local economies.

Across the country, state leaders are rethinking what readiness looks like and how to help every learner demonstrate the skills employers value most. States like Alabama, Louisiana, and Vermont are leading the way by integrating ACT WorkKeys and the National Career Readiness Certificate into their education and workforce development strategies. These tools help students demonstrate job-ready skills and give employers confidence in hiring qualified candidates.

Alabama: universal access and strategic retesting

Alabama offers ACT WorkKeys to all high school seniors every fall, ensuring broad exposure to career readiness assessments. Students who do not achieve a Silver-level NCRC — a benchmark for workplace readiness — can retest in the spring, with access to the WorkKeys curriculum to help improve their scores and impress potential employers.

Since 2006, Alabama students and job seekers have earned over 438,000 NCRCs, with more than 186,000 Silver-level certificates and over 114,000 Gold and Platinum-level certificates.

“Employers in the region understand a job seeker’s potential and feel that they are getting a better qualified employee with the NCRC,” says Donny Jones, Chief Operating Officer at the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce

This widespread adoption has helped bridge gaps between education and industry, with 655 Alabama employers actively supporting the initiative and gaining access to more qualified applicants.

Louisiana: incentivizing achievement and community engagement

Louisiana administers ACT WorkKeys to all 11th and 12th graders, with over 13,000 students participating annually. The state’s school accountability system incentivizes high performance by awarding school report card points for students who earn a Gold-level NCRC or higher.

Impressively, 53% of students earn at least a Silver-level certificate, reinforcing Louisiana’s commitment to workforce readiness. Since 2006, Louisiana students and job-seekers have earned 307,362 NCRCs, and the state is also a national leader in Work Ready Communities, with 35 of 64 parishes actively participating.

Eleanor McMain Secondary School in New Orleans recognized the value of the NCRC for students post-graduation. “We broke down what the [WorkKeys] National Career Readiness Certificate meant and what it could be used for,” explains Dr. Melanie Moore, principal. “That’s when students bought into it. And then, we took it to the faculty to explain to them that it’s not just a test; that this can help students beyond just high school.”

With nearly 1200 Louisiana businesses supporting ACT WorkKeys NCRC, this alignment between education and economic development has created a robust pipeline of skilled workers, particularly in north Louisiana, which ranks among the top three regions nationally for coordinated Work Ready Community initiatives.

Vermont: innovative credentialing and postsecondary recognition

Vermont’s Department of Education has taken a strategic and innovative approach to WorkKeys. All 11th- and 12th-grade CTE students are required to take the WorkKeys Applied Mathematics and Workplace Documents assessments.

“Vermont first required all of its regional CTE centers to administer WorkKeys assessments beginning in the 2020-2021 school year,” says Ruth Durkee, Vermont AOE state director of career technical education. “We phased in our requirements for the percentage of students to be tested. In the first year, 56% of our CTE program concentrators took the WorkKeys Workplace Documents and Applied Mathematics assessments. That increased to 86% in the 2021-2022 school year, and then to 97% in 2022-2023 and 98% in 2023-2024."

Students who score a Level 5 or higher can then take the Graphic Literacy assessment to qualify for the NCRC. Those who score a Level 5 or higher across all three assessments receive their NCRC, which Vermont recognizes as a postsecondary credential for Perkins V accountability. With over 9300 NCRCs earned, this reinforces the credential’s value in both secondary education and workforce development.

The Community College of Vermont also acknowledges the value of WorkKeys. CTE students’ WorkKeys scores can be used for eligibility into Fast Forward and Dual Enrollment programs, and matriculated students who earn a Level 5 NCRC receive two elective credits at the CCV.

The value of non-degreed credentials

According to the National Science Foundation, 52% of STEM workers in the U.S. do not hold a bachelor’s degree. Many work in middle-skill occupations that require technical proficiency but not a four-year college education. Yet a skills gap threatens future growth. The U.S. could face a shortfall of 2.1 million manufacturing workers by 2030, potentially costing the economy $1 trillion in lost productivity.¹

Programs like ACT WorkKeys and NCRC are essential tools to close this gap by validating the skills of non-degreed workers and aligning education with industry needs.

The bottom line

Alabama, Louisiana, and Vermont demonstrate how ACT WorkKeys and NCRC can transform education systems, empower students, and strengthen local economies. By recognizing and rewarding real-world skills, these states are building a resilient, inclusive workforce—one that meets the demands of today’s industries without requiring a traditional college degree.

¹ https://allamerican.org/research/manufacturing-jobs-by-industry/








About 1 in 3 ACT-Tested Graduates of 2025 Demonstrate Clear College Readiness; Scores Indicate Foundational Career-Readiness for Almost 2 in 3 of Those Students

For immediate release: IOWA CITY, IA (Oct. 15, 2025) — ACT today unveiled its annual Graduating Class Release, providing a clear snapshot o...

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graduation caps being thrown in the air
For immediate release:

IOWA CITY, IA (Oct. 15, 2025) — ACT today unveiled its annual Graduating Class Release, providing a clear snapshot of college readiness among the ACT-tested students in the Class of 2025 and valuable insight into those graduates’ readiness for workforce success.

Overall, 30% of the nearly 1.4 million 2025 graduates who took the assessment at least once between their 10th and 12th grade years met three or more of the four ACT College Readiness Benchmarks, meaning they have a 50% chance of scoring a B or better in associated, first-year college courses and a 75% chance of scoring a C or better in those courses. ACT data from prior graduating classes show that students in college who have met at least three ACT benchmarks are more than twice as likely to graduate within 150% of the expected time for an undergraduate degree than students who have met none.

“The best step to not just being admitted to college but graduating from college is being academically prepared for first-year success,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “ACT College Readiness Benchmarks provide unbiased measures of that readiness — free from grade inflation and other influences.”

In-School Testing and Retesting

ACT celebrates the 23 states and hundreds of districts that expand access by providing students the chance to receive a college-reportable score and valuable postsecondary planning insights through school-day testing. Of those, 15 states tested 90% or more of their 2025 graduates.

“In-school testing for all eligible students is an easy choice,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Tennessee Commissioner of Education. “It gives us the most representative view of our students’ readiness and empowers students with data to guide their next steps after high school, whether through college, the workforce, or the military.”

In Tennessee, 76% of the 2025 graduating class took the ACT more than once, many of whom tested through a statewide program providing the retake at no cost to students. Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Wyoming also provided in-school retesting options in 2024-25. Nationally, students who take the ACT more than once increased their ACT Superscore by an average of 2.4 points. The ACT Superscore allows students to put forward their best section performances to colleges, universities, and scholarship-awarding organizations to increase their chances of admission, scholarships, and course placement.

Work-Ready Indicators

In addition to college readiness, the ACT also provides a research-based indicator of workforce preparedness. Based on their ACT scores, nearly 850,000 members of the ACT-tested Class of 2025 were projected to earn Silver or higher-level ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificates. That signals that they have the essential foundational skills needed for success in most jobs in the U.S.

“States offering WorkKeys and testing are giving students the opportunity to earn powerful credentials — whether they are heading straight into the workforce or planning for college,” Godwin said.

Nearly 30,000 employers recognize the WorkKeys NCRC, and the American Council on Education recommends up to nine college credit hours for students who hold the credential. Nineteen states fund WorkKeys or WorkKeys Curriculum for learners and adults in the workforce, including Kansas, which provides funding for students to take WorkKeys, in addition to the ACT, while in high school.

“Some level of postsecondary education remains ideal for nearly all students,” said Beth Fultz, director of career, standards, and assessment services at the Kansas State Department of Education. “However, that isn’t possible or isn’t the immediate aspiration for every student. We offer the ACT WorkKeys Assessments to high school seniors who have not previously earned a WorkKeys score, not only to empower those who are heading straight into the workforce, but also to provide college-bound students more information that connects their learning to future jobs.”

The Enhanced ACT

Starting in spring 2025, students participating in national online testing outside of school time were able to take the enhanced ACT, with fewer questions, more time per item, and an optional science section. The enhanced test reflects extensive input from educators and students and marks the first major update to the ACT since 2005, when the optional writing section was added. Access to the enhanced ACT, which will be available online and on paper for all testers, will continue to roll out to all students through spring 2026. States and districts that pay for in-school testing will determine whether their students take the optional science section.

“I feel like (having more time) significantly helped,” said Noah Clements, a New Jersey student who took the enhanced ACT in April. “When I would do practice tests, I was getting on the edge of the time every single time. This time, I had time to review almost every section.”

Access and Recognition

In addition to data focused on the 2025 graduating class, ACT announced that:
  • The company distributed more than 1 million ACT fee waivers in the 2024-25 school year, helping eligible students access testing and test prep resources.
  • The number of schools offering one or more PreACT assessments grew by 20% from 2023-24 to 2024-25, giving more students and families early access to information about progress toward college readiness and giving educators key information to guide how they are preparing students.
  • Just more than 14,000 8th- and 9th-graders earned Distinguished Scholar awards for exceptional performance on the PreACT 8/9, indicating significant progress toward college readiness.
“ACT has always been more than one score on one test,” Godwin said. “We are committed to helping every student discover and pursue their best next step — whether that is college, a career, or both.”

The full 2025 Grad Class release is available at act.org/gradclass2025.

The Enhanced ACT Test: What You Need to Know

The college admissions process can feel overwhelming for students — from maintaining good grades and choosing the right extracurricular acti...

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Students taking a test online
The college admissions process can feel overwhelming for students — from maintaining good grades and choosing the right extracurricular activities to writing essays, visiting campuses, and taking entrance exams.

As one of the most trusted college entrance tests and an ally to parents, students, educators, and higher ed, we recognize that students may have anxiety about scores and that colleges need to rigorously assess the right skills to find top applicants.

As part of our commitment to provide learners with a positive testing experience while still delivering a fair, accessible, and accurate assessment of skills for college admissions teams, ACT recently announced updates and improvements to the ACT test.

The enhanced ACT has been modernized to provide more flexibility for the test taker, all while maintaining the same high level of accuracy and predictive power of the legacy test.

What’s new and what’s staying the same

We’ve made a few key changes to create a better experience for test-takers without changing the accuracy of what the ACT measures.

What changed?
  • Shorter Test Time: The test is now 70 minutes shorter, with 44 fewer questions overall. This gives students more time per question and helps reduce test fatigue, while still maintaining the same rigorous assessment material.
  • Refined Math Section: The math section has four multiple-choice answers instead of five.
  • Added Flexibility: Students can choose whether to take the science and writing sections for the ACT National test based on their goals and institution requirements. State and district customers can choose whether to include the ACT science and writing sections for their students. 
    • Note: Colleges will determine whether the science or writing sections are mandated based on their program requirements.
What hasn’t changed?
  • The Score Scale: The ACT score scale will remain 1-36 with no changes to ACT benchmarks or state-specific achievement standards.
  • Superscoring: Superscoring is still supported and continues to be at the discretion of individual colleges regarding acceptance. 
  • Score Validity: Scores from tests taken before the rollout of the new Composite score will not change, and the ability to predict success in first-year college credit-bearing courses will not change.
  • Testing Options: Both paper-and-pencil and online tests will continue to be available.
The enhanced ACT and admissions

ACT conducted thorough research before launching the enhanced test to ensure it maintained fairness, validity, rigor, and its ability to predict college success. With ongoing grade inflation and fewer standardized testing requirements in some areas, tests like the ACT are once again serving as key benchmarks in holistic admissions reviews.

Colleges will continue to decide individually whether to accept superscores or only single-sitting composite scores, and whether to require the now-optional Science section.

The rollout timeline

The enhanced ACT is now the standard national test. Here’s a brief overview of the rollout:
  • A Successful Pilot: The rollout began in Spring 2025 with a successful pilot for students who took the online test during a National Test Day, which received positive feedback from students and test centers.
  • Full National Test Rollout: The enhanced test – online and paper – was fully rolled out during the September 6 national test administration.
  • State and District Transition: All state and district test takers will transition to the enhanced test by Spring 2026.
We are here to help

We want you to feel comfortable with the test, whether you’re a parent supporting your child, an educator administering the test or counseling students, or an admissions officer evaluating scores.

If you still have questions regarding the enhanced ACT, we are here to answer them. Higher ed admissions teams can reach out to Kasey.Urquidez@act.org for detailed information about the enhanced ACT and have any questions they may have answered.

Two Women, Two Sororities, One Mission to Educate, Empower, and Transform

In classrooms across the country, educators are doing more than teaching; they’re transforming lives. Among them are two dynamic women, Leah...

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Ashley May and Leah Douglas photos

In classrooms across the country, educators are doing more than teaching; they’re transforming lives. Among them are two dynamic women, Leah Douglas, member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Ashley May, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., whose journeys to and through higher education reflect the power of preparation, purpose, and community.

Leah Douglas, an alumna of Northwestern State University of Louisiana (’16), always knew college was the next step. “There wasn’t any other option after graduation,” she said. That clarity of vision carried her through her academic journey and now fuels her pursuit of a doctorate and a career in education consulting in Louisiana, where she has experience as an ELA teacher and instructional coach in both elementary and middle school ELA.

Ashley May, an alumna of Middle Tennessee State University (’08), was inspired by the women in her family. “Every woman of college age on the maternal side of my family holds an advanced degree,” she shared. That legacy of learning became her motivation to pursue a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and become a change agent in the field of education. May is an experienced ELA middle and elementary school teacher and instructional coach in both Tennessee and Texas.

ACT prioritizes access

Both women credit the ACT as a pivotal part of their college journeys. Douglas attended multiple ACT bootcamps and took a dedicated ACT class throughout high school at Hosanna Christian Academy in Baton Rouge, earning a score that qualified her for Louisiana’s TOPS scholarship program. May emphasized how the ACT helped place her in entry-level college courses and prepared her academically for college-level work.

As educators, they recognize the importance of removing barriers to college access, especially when it comes to standardized testing. Douglas was fortunate that her high school hosted the ACT, making access to the test easier without worrying about transportation or additional costs. May emphasized the need for broader access, urging decision-makers to “select locations that are accessible to areas that are low socioeconomic and/or resource-deprived.”

Their experiences reflect a shared understanding: when schools and communities make testing more accessible, they open doors for students who might otherwise be left behind. “Be focused on scholarships and understand what your major means. Think about your long-term career goals when pursuing your degree,” Douglas often advises her students.

Similarly, May tells her students, “Free education is the best education, so apply for as many scholarships as you can and take the ACT as soon as possible and as many times as you can.”

Greek Organizations and ACT collaborate to lift up the community

As members of their respective sororities, both women continue to uplift others. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority offers scholarships and operates mentoring programs for young women. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority offers ACT-based scholarships and hosts workshops for high school students. These efforts reflect a shared belief: that education, when paired with community and purpose, can empower and transform lives.

Their stories display the ripple effect of how inspired educators are transforming education from the inside out. These women are not only shaping young minds in the classroom, but they’re also modeling what it means to lead with purpose, advocate for access, and invest in the next generation.

ACT invites students, educators, and communities to celebrate #WhyApply Day today, September 19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: ACT Strategic Communications; publicrelations@act.org IOWA CITY, IA — ACT is dedicated to helping people ach...

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ACAC logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: ACT Strategic Communications; publicrelations@act.org

IOWA CITY, IA — ACT is dedicated to helping people achieve educational success and invites students, families, educators, and those in our communities across the country to join in celebrating students, their academic journeys, and college careers this #WhyApply Day today, Sept. 19, 2025.

#WhyApply Day marks the start of college application season by encouraging learners to share their reasons for applying to college and highlighting the importance of this critical milestone. Nearly 480,000 students nationwide are expected to take part in college application events this fall; let’s give them the boost they need to follow through with their potential college decisions and submit applications.

“Applying to college is more than a formality. It’s a declaration of a student’s aspirations and potential,” said Janet Godwin, CEO, ACT. “Through #WhyApply Day, we at ACT want to celebrate the promise we make to every learner: the opportunity to pursue their goals and shape their future.”

For today’s celebrations, ACT encourages all supporters to:

● Wear their college gear to show school pride.

● Share their “Why Apply” statement on social media through a photo, video, drawing, or written message with the hashtag #WhyApply.

● Tag ACT’s American College Application Campaign on social media (@Americancac on Facebook and @American_CAC on X) to help spread inspiration.

In past years, participants shared reasons such as: “Because I wanted to make a difference,” “College enriches your life and your mind,” and “Everyone is college material.”

By joining in this celebration, communities across the country help students feel supported as they prepare to take their next step. “Every message of encouragement reminds learners that their goals are possible and that they’re not alone in this journey,” added Lisa Sommer King, senior director, American College Application Campaign.

For more information and celebratory resources, visit ACAC.


The American College Application Campaign (ACAC), a national initiative of ACT’s Center for Impact and Learning, is designed to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families who pursue a postsecondary degree. The Campaign has served millions of students since its inception in 2005 by supporting high school seniors as they navigate the college application and admissions process and ensuring each participating student submits at least one college application. For more information about ACAC, please visit https://impactandlearning.act.org/acac/.

ACAC Events: Empowering Students to Build Their Future

By Tammy Patterson, College Career Navigator, Springbrook H.S., Silver Spring, MD Springbrook High School is a 2024 American College Applica...

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Tammy Patterson in Springbrook HS career center with ACAC School of Excellence plaque and sign
By Tammy Patterson, College Career Navigator, Springbrook H.S., Silver Spring, MD

Springbrook High School is a 2024 American College Application Campaign School of Excellence recipient and a participant of the Maryland Post-Secondary Success Campaign

As the college and career navigator at Springbrook High School, I knew my mission was to help students realize their potential and pave a pathway toward their dreams. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how talented and ambitious our students are. Yet, I’ve also noticed a recurring challenge — too many lacked exposure to the resources, networks, and opportunities they needed to take those crucial first steps toward college and career success.

The spark that started it all

Sixteen years ago, we organized a simple college visit at our school campus. The concept was straightforward: bring representatives from local universities to speak with our students. What we witnessed that day exceeded all expectations. Students, many of whom had never interacted one-on-one with a college representative, were captivated. They eagerly asked questions, flipped through brochures, and for the first time began imagining themselves stepping onto a college campus.

That initial event proved one thing to me: it’s not that our students lacked ambition, but rather guidance and exposure to understand how to turn their aspirations into reality. From that moment, I knew that to make a real difference, we needed to bring the tools, connections, and conversations directly to our students. And so, our first American College Application Campaign event was born.

Access to resources is key to opening doors

The goal of our college application campaign is simple but profound: to equip students with the resources and confidence to take the next step into their future. Over the years, we’ve expanded to a comprehensive series of events, including college fairs, essay-writing workshops, application help sessions, and financial aid seminars. These events are carefully designed to empower students to envision a future beyond high school.

By hosting these events during the school day, we make the process accessible and inclusive. Students don’t have to find transportation, juggle after-school commitments, or worry about navigating unfamiliar spaces. It’s become a cornerstone of our culture — empowering students to see what’s next and giving them the tools to take that first step confidently.

Many have told us they felt “seen” and supported in a way they hadn’t before, and it’s not uncommon to hear someone say, “Now I can actually picture myself in college.”

Springbrook HS students in the college center 

Building futures, one conversation at a time

What I love most about these events is how they open doors not just figuratively, but literally. I’ve seen students leave our events with a newfound sense of purpose and determination.

For some, these events plant the first seed of imagining life beyond high school. For others, they solidify plans and clarify the next steps. Our students leave with information and the belief that they can succeed. That belief is everything; it’s the foundation upon which they build their futures.

The ripple effect

Hosting these events isn’t just about connecting students to opportunities; it’s about creating a culture of belief and ambition in our school community. These conversations don’t stop at the event itself. Students go home and talk to their families, share what they’ve learned, and begin conversations about their future.

Parents, especially those with aspiring first-generation college students, often reach out, grateful for the resources and guidance their kids are receiving. Events like in-person parent information nights, free college admission interviews, financial aid workshops, and college application support workshops have helped demystify a process that can often feel overwhelming.

The impact spills over into the larger school community as well. Teachers, counselors, and administrators see the confidence these events inspire in their students, and many of them have become passionate advocates for our college and career readiness programs. It’s a ripple effect that starts with a spark of belief and grows into a culture of possibility.

Success we can see

We’ve seen a truly meaningful and energizing increase in college application rates and overall college readiness at Springbrook H.S. Through engaging college and career events, ongoing college application help sessions, and vibrant schoolwide initiatives like “College Application Week,” we’ve created a welcoming culture where students — especially our first-generation college applicants — feel seen, supported, and inspired to take that next big step. These events provide personalized support, a safe space to ask questions, and hands-on help navigating what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process.

From 2023 to 2025, we saw a 32% increase in college application submissions. That’s more than just a statistic; it reflects our students’ hard work, growing confidence, and the impact of community collaboration. Many students also participated in on-the-spot admission opportunities during college visits, leaving with both acceptance letters and a new sense of possibility.

Looking ahead

Sixteen years in, I still feel the same sense of excitement as I did at that first American College Application Campaign event. Watching students walk into a room unsure of what to expect, and walking out with a plan, a goal, or even just the beginning of a dream; it’s what keeps me going.

My hope for the future is to continue expanding these opportunities for all our students. Whether through more partnerships with local colleges, additional workshops on career readiness, or innovations in how we connect students to resources, I want every student who walks through our doors to feel supported, seen, and prepared for whatever comes next.



Every student deserves the chance to pursue college in their future. To find ideas, resources, and inspiration for hosting events at your school, visit the American College Application Campaign website. Then, take the first step in inspiring students on your social media accounts this fall by joining in the celebration of ACAC’s #WhyApply Day on September 19, and throughout the year as you continue to host these important college application events.



I Want To Achieve More Than My Parents

ACT established the ACT Scholars program to nurture the academic talent of graduate and community college students at the University of I...

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ACT established the ACT Scholars program to nurture the academic talent of graduate and community college students at the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College, respectively. These institutions share ACT’s commitment to helping all learners achieve their college and career goals. Each ACT Scholar’s story reflects resilience, passion, and a vision for the future.

For ACT Scholar Komi Segbedgi, college is more than an education, it’s a chance to honor his parents’ sacrifices and pursue opportunities they never had. At Kirkwood Community College, Komi has found a community where diversity enriches his experience and expands his perspective. With support from the ACT Scholar program, he’s been able to shift from balancing full-time work and full-time study to focusing more deeply on his academic goals.

Hear Komi’s advice for other students, the challenges he’s overcome, and what receiving the ACT scholarship has meant to his journey in the video.




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