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ICCSD to Acquire ACT Building

ACT
June 15, 2022
Category: ACT Updates | Press Release |

Sale of ACT’s Tyler Building will expand school district’s capabilities as part of District’s Facilities Master Plan 2.0 Iowa City, Iowa – J...

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Sale of ACT’s Tyler Building will expand school district’s capabilities as part of District’s Facilities Master Plan 2.0

Iowa City, Iowa – June 15, 2022 – An agreement between ACT, Inc. and Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) has been reached for the sale of a building on the ACT campus. The agreement was approved by the ICCSD Board of Directors on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. The ACT Board of Directors approved the sale on June 7, 2022. 

Purchase of the building is part of ICCSD’s Facilities Master Plan (FMP) 2.0. The ICCSD school board approved the FMP 2.0 timeline in April 2022, which included the purchase of a District Multi-use Facility in summer 2022. Earlier in the spring, the two entities came together to discuss the possibility of how the Tyler building could meet the District’s needs as part of FMP 2.0. ACT and ICCSD worked together to facilitate the property transfer to capitalize on their longstanding relationship and ensure that both entities have the facilities necessary to serve their staff and stakeholders effectively. 

“ACT has a long history of being a good community partner in Iowa City, and this arrangement is one more way for us to remain connected to our community,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “After the pandemic, many of our team members opted to stay connected and work off-campus in remote or hybrid schedules, so we determined that we could consolidate and make better use of the space on our campus. Working with the school district on this property transfer is a win-win-win for ACT, the district, and our community.”

ACT and ICCSD will continue to work together on the transfer of the property and ensure a smooth transition as the district takes occupancy in July. 

“Our District is appreciative of the collaborative relationship we enjoy with ACT,” stated ICCSD Superintendent Matt Degner. “Acquisition of the Tyler Building will allow our District to expand services we currently provide such as the ICCSD Online program and professional learning for our staff. Looking forward, this space will provide opportunities for the District to enhance student learning through expanded career and technical education and other career pathway programs.”

About ACT
ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa, 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 Iowa City Community School District
The Iowa City Community School District serves over 14,000 students and is the 5th largest school district in the state of Iowa. The District covers roughly 133 square miles with 19 preschool sites, 21 elementary schools, three junior high schools, three comprehensive high schools, one alternative high school, one online school, and our Transition Services Center, a program for special education students ages 18-21. We aim to create an exemplary school district that is acknowledged for the caliber of our graduates, the quality of our staff, and the excellence of our programs. Learn more at www.IowaCitySchools.org.

How Partners Add an Extra Element to College Application Campaigns

ACT
June 09, 2022
Category: Educator Resources | Equity |

By: Lisa King, director, American College Application Campaign Helping high school seniors move to the next stage in their lives requires mo...

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People hold up signs with their reasons to apply to college.
By: Lisa King, director, American College Application Campaign

Helping high school seniors move to the next stage in their lives requires more than individual motivation or support from their families. It can even take more than wise words from teachers and advisors. In fact, these very educators say that partners and community members from outside of high schools make a big difference.

Many winners of the third annual School of Excellence awards, an initiative of the American College Application Campaign (ACAC) that honors schools across the country for helping students pursue postsecondary success, engaged and leveraged external groups to improve the reach of their programs.

For instance, Woodhaven High School college advisor Zariea Williams in Flat Rock, Michigan, is extremely proud of her school’s Senior Set-Up event. During the gathering, approximately 100 seniors created their Federal Student Aid IDs and started filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The school hosts the event in partnership with financial aid office representatives from nearby Oakland University.

“We walked seniors step by step through applying to a local college, sending their transcripts, and discussing financial aid,” Williams said. “This helped promote and maintain momentum during Michigan College Month and the following months. A high school can expand its resources and have expert support by partnering with a university's financial aid or admissions office to host an event like Senior Set-Up or on-site admissions.”

In Washington, D.C., Coolidge Senior High School partners with the District of Columbia College Access Program and the Latino Student Fund Listo Program. These groups provide additional resources and support because, College and Career Coordinator Symphoni Henry says, “All students, regardless of socioeconomic status, color, income, or ethnicity, deserve access and opportunity to secure a quality postsecondary future.”

Not all external partners work in the education field. Crooksville High School in central Ohio asks its alumni to return to their old stomping grounds to help seniors understand the value of making a plan.

“It’s awesome to see the wealth of knowledge that develops when there are so many stakeholders at the same table,” GEAR Up advisor Jenny Johnson said.

School counselor Erica Hampton at Liberty High School in Glen Daniel, West Virginia, echoed that sentiment.

“Be proactive in scheduling presenters, don't be afraid to try activities, and use your community resources,” she said. “Remember that not all students are four-year college-bound, and that trade schools and certificate programs are wonderful opportunities to be successful.”

School counselor Erica Hampton, dressed as a veterinarian, and student Brooklyn Scarbro, dressed as an EMT, strike a pose after Brooklyn completed her FAFSA during their school's College Theme Week. (Credit: Liberty High School)

Besides helping more seniors to be college- and career-ready, involving the community has an added benefit, noted Tori Adams, a school counselor at Andalusia High School in southern Alabama.

“You’ll also bring awareness of your school counseling program and the many services provided to students,” she said. “We invited recruiters to speak to students, helped students complete their applications, hosted FAFSA nights for parents, and celebrated with an ‘I Applied Day’ on the front lawn of the school with school and community leaders.”

In Kansas, Wichita High School East achieved schoolwide participation in its initiatives, with more than 400 seniors taking part. Educators credit community support for making it work, including participation from employers in the aerospace, aviation, and construction industries, as well as the Army and Army National Guard, Air Force, Air National Guard, and Marine Corps.

These School of Excellence award winners took different approaches, but by opening their doors to others, motivated seniors and helped them understand all of their postsecondary options.

Pride Month: Stand Up, Show Up, and Speak Up

ACT
June 02, 2022
Category: ACT Updates | Equity |

As we begin this Pride Month of June, ACT stands alongside our LGBTQI+ team members, family, educators, students, and community to celebrate...

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As we begin this Pride Month of June, ACT stands alongside our LGBTQI+ team members, family, educators, students, and community to celebrate and affirm their importance, identity, and continuing contributions. Now more than ever, as we see challenges that could undermine and harm our community, we believe it’s important to stand firm in our conviction that everyone deserves a safe and welcoming place to learn and work and grow. 

We believe that Pride isn’t simply one month, but a year-round commitment to ensuring that members of the LGBTQI+ community are celebrated and supported. And so, in the spirit of trailblazer Harvey Milk, who said, “We will not win our rights by staying quietly in our closets,” we at ACT:

  • come together with the LGTBQI+ community as allies, advocates, and champions; 
  • affirm the goals and aspirations of students, educators, and others whose voices must be heard and amplified in our education system — we see you and you matter; and
  • celebrate our LGBTQI+ team members who work tirelessly in service to ACT’s mission of education and workplace success for all.
This month is time to stand up, show up, and speak up — we at ACT commit to that in celebration of Pride. Happy Pride Month!

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