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 Maleny Schildroth, creativity and passion for design shaped her college journey. As an interior design major at Kirkwood Community College, Maleny found a program that challenged and inspired her. Thanks to the support of the ACT scholarship, she was able to dedicate more time to her studies and prepare for a career where she hopes to make a lasting impact through sustainable and thoughtful design.

Watch Maleny's interview to hear how the ACT scholarship shaped her college experience, fueled her passion for design, and inspired her advice for future students.