WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nov. 30, 2021 — President Joe Biden and the U.S. Senate have each declared November as National College Application Month.
National College Application Month is an initiative of the American College Application Campaign (ACAC), ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Common App, and Reach Higher. They collectively thank President Biden and the members of the Senate for their proclamation and resolution declaring November as National College Application Month.
ACT CEO Janet Godwin said, “This national recognition is a call to action for all of us to work harder to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential. The college application process can be confusing and daunting for students. That’s why ACAC events assist high school seniors, including those who are systemically underserved, with submitting at least one college application. We appreciate the president and members of the Senate along with our partners for the collaboration on this important endeavor.”
Stephanie Owens, executive director of Reach Higher and vice president, student advocacy and engagement at Common App, said, “Education is the single most important investment one can make for their future, and it changes the trajectory of lives for generations. At Common App, we work every day to tear down barriers for students to be able to apply to college. I’m grateful to President Biden and the Senate for recognizing the need to support students across the country in the college-going process.”
On Oct. 29, President Biden signed the proclamation, which can be viewed here.
On Nov. 16, Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) cosponsored the resolution in the Senate, which can be viewed here.
“The pandemic year clearly showed us that colleges and universities need to redouble their efforts to encourage students, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, that higher education is within their reach,” said NACAC CEO Angel B. Pérez. “NACAC is a proud supporter of the American College Application Campaign and National College Application Month and we encourage everyone in our profession to make the extra effort to reach out to students who might need a hand to help them through this process.”
Supporters believe and carry out the vision that all students deserve access to high-quality educational experiences beyond high school and need intentional support through the college application and admissions process.
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About ACT
ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Headquartered in Iowa City, ACT is trusted as a national leader in college and career readiness, providing high-quality assessments grounded in over 60 years of research. ACT offers a uniquely integrated set of solutions designed to provide personalized insights that help individuals succeed from elementary school through career. Visit us at www.act.org.
About the American College Application Campaign
The American College Application Campaign® (ACAC), a national initiative of ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, is designed to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families who pursue a postsecondary degree. The purpose is to assist high school seniors as they navigate the college application and admissions process and ensure each participating student submits at least one admissions application. https://equityinlearning.act.org/acac/
About NACAC
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), founded in 1937, is an organization of over 25,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. www.nacacnet.org
About Reach Higher
Reach Higher, started by former First Lady Michelle Obama during her time at the White House, works to inspire every student in the U.S. to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, a four-year college or university, or in the military. Reach Higher continues to help underrepresented students navigate the college-going process by raising awareness about helpful tools and resources, meeting students where they are and tailoring technical assistance to meet their unique needs, and building the capacity of the school counseling profession. Reach Higher is now a part of Common App, a nonprofit membership organization of over 900 colleges and universities dedicated to access, equity, and integrity in the college admissions process.
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