ACT

Dual enrollment programs help students get a valuable head start on college-level learning and set a strong foundation for the future. For first-generation ACT scholar Alfonso J. Martinez, dual enrollment changed the trajectory of his education journey.      Before taking general education college courses in his sophomore year, Alfonso had not given the idea of college much thought. When he graduated, he knew he didn’t want to stop with a four-year degree. The experience taught him to be resourceful and independent – skills that have been crucial throughout his education.     “One way the dual enrollment experience affects me today is through my ability to be extremely resourceful and independent – for example, in finding scholarships and learning to navigate complex admissions processes,” Alfonso says. “These skills only further developed when I was in college and graduate school.” Learn more about Alfonso and the experiences that shaped his path as he pursues a Ph.D. from University of Iowa in fall 2024 and a tenure-track position at Fordham University. https://lnkd.in/e_6nRBFE    #dualenrollment #highered #Highereducation #studentsuccess  

In August, Jane Oates, senior policy advisor and former president at WorkingNation, spoke to the National ACT State Organizations Virtual Conference about the evolving job market, how technological advancements affect skill requirements, and the timeless value of uniquely human skills.   ACT State Organizations represent individuals from the earliest grades through careers, providing opportunities for diverse groups of education and workplace professionals to connect, learn from one another, and unify in purpose.  “The biggest lesson is that everything is local. The national data on in-demand jobs, job vacancies, and talent needs give us widespread trends, but the true information comes at the local and regional levels. That is why partnerships are critical,” Jane says. “Workforce and economic development have blurred lines. When existing businesses are looking to grow, or new businesses are looking to move in, the strength and vitality of the relationships among business, education, and workforce development will determine success.”  Read the blog post to get more of Oates’ insights into the importance of staying skilled, inspired, and ready to compete in today's dynamic workforce: https://lnkd.in/evwGfx6t #HigherEd #HigherEducation #Workforce #WorkforceDevelopment #STEM  

Our latest research on the #digitaldivide, covered by Laura Ascione in eSchool News, shows that despite gains in recent years in high school students’ access to technology and internet, disparities persist across racial, ethnic, and family income groups. “There is also a concerning new data point: Nearly three quarters of students are worried they won’t be able to pay for the technology they need for college," said Jeff Schiel, Ph.D., ACT lead research scientist and author of the report. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eNfrupF5 #EdTech #Technology #Education

Join us at the ACT Workforce Summit, Oct. 2-4 in Atlanta, to hear from LaShana Lewis, a trailblazer for the tech industry and champion for inclusivity. As a role model for diversity in the technology industry, she worked with President Obama’s administration as part of the nationwide TechHire initiative to encourage employers to hire and train people with nontraditional tech backgrounds. Her keynote will highlight her inspiring story as an individual skilled through alternative routes (STAR) and how she overcame barriers in the tech industry. She will also discuss the importance of collaborations like ACT Work Ready Communities in creating pathways to success for all. Learn more about our lineup of incredible speakers: https://bit.ly/3WFjADX #Workforce #WorkforceDevelopment #Educators #CareerReadiness #WorkplaceSuccess #TearThePaperCeiling #HireSTARs

We’re less than a week away from the 2024 National ACT State Organizations Virtual Conference, Aug. 14-15. Learn cutting-edge best practices from national experts across education and workforce segments, all focused on helping people achieve education and career success. Presenters include: - State-level administrators from departments of education, higher education, and workforce and economic development. - Postsecondary enrollment and admissions managers. - Research authorities on cutting-edge education and workforce practices. - K-12 administrators and educators in curriculum, counseling, and instruction. - Business leaders in talent acquisition and skill-building strategy. View the full agenda and register: https://bit.ly/3ysSUOV

In collaboration with Education Commission of the States, join us for a webinar with leaders from Minnesota and Wyoming who will share successful state initiatives that ensure all students have access to technology and quality connectivity. Join us to learn actionable policy considerations for addressing digital divides and increasing access for students in your own state. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ekajGfsJ #DigitalDivide #EdTech #StudentSuccess #HigherEd

🎙On a new episode of the ACT Ready for Work podcast, Tracy Robinson joined us at the ACT Workforce Summit to share how The University of Memphis is working with adult learners to address their needs in the workforce and the challenges they face in balancing education with other responsibilities. Listen: https://lnkd.in/eJDsMn-J #Workforce #WorkforceSummit #CareerReadiness

School leaders at Timberlake High School achieved something incredible. Through dedicated support and personalized guidance, they inspired 100% of their senior class to submit at least one college application during the 2023 American College Application Campaign (ACAC) cycle. The school was recognized this year for its achievement as one ACAC’s 27 School of Excellence awardees. In a new blog, ACAC Director Lisa Sommer King writes about the strategies Timberlake’s counselors used to encourage many first-generation seniors and students from low-income backgrounds to pursue higher education. “Timberlake's college application campaign ensured that every single senior now has the option to attend a two- or four-year college,” she said. “Having options is powerful and allows students to make the best decision for their future,” said Jenni Kimball, former ACAC state coordinator for Idaho. Read the blog post about how these educators empowered students to believe in themselves and their futures: https://lnkd.in/enaH2bNm #HigherEducation #HigherEd #HigherEdLife #StudentSuccess #Education #CollegeAdmissions  #WhyApply

The 2024 National ACT State Organizations Virtual Conference is a great summer professional development event to help you gain new perspectives, actionable ideas, and solutions to your most pressing challenges related to improving education and workforce development practices — with no travel involved. Conference topics include: - Supporting student mental health. - The state of apprenticeship in education and workforce. - Creating an ACT community of practice. - Supporting women in STEM fields. - Helping students maximize their education through quality advising. - Building the future workforce through pathways and partnerships. - Social and emotional learning. Visit https://bit.ly/3W5JlNE to view the full agenda, presenter information, and to register. #HigherEducation #Education #Workforce #WorkforceDevelopment #STEM #K12 #MentalHealthAwareness #SEL

Join an in-person ACT College and Career Readiness Workshop near you! You’ll get the full scope of what’s working in education nationally, but on a local scale, with tools and resources you can use all year to help your students on their college and career journeys. Attend the workshops to learn more about: - Using a holistic approach to education to achieve better outcomes. - Monitoring student growth using comprehensive assessment systems, validity research, and monitoring longitudinal growth. - Improving your curriculum using data for systemwide progress, mapping ACT standards against your district curricula, and identifying student needs. - Applying best practices for test preparation, including preparing educators to support confidence and district preparedness. - Future planning, including guiding students toward postsecondary and career success and helping students with the college application process. - Building essential skills, including sustaining effort and maintaining composure and how they affect readiness. Register now for a free workshop: https://bit.ly/3A4huWy #K12 #CollegeReadiness #CareerReadiness #Education #PostsecondarySuccess