ACT Scholars Program Established at The University of Iowa

ACT and The University of Iowa have established the ACT Scholars Program in recognition of a connection that began 50 years ago.

ACT is making a $5 million gift to the University to endow the new program. ACT and the University will use annual income from the endowment to select and support students who enroll in graduate-level programs at the University.

“It is most fitting that 50 years after ACT’s founding, and after a half century of mutually beneficial connections between ACT and the University, we should acknowledge the ties that bind us, through creation of the ACT Scholars Program,” said Richard L. Ferguson, ACT CEO and chairman of the board.

In 1959, two senior administrators at the University—E.F. Lindquist and Ted McCarrel—came together with others from around the country who shared their vision for a new college admissions testing program that would provide information useful to students, parents, teachers, and school administrators. Grounded firmly in principles focused on getting students ready for access to, and success in, postsecondary education, Lindquist and McCarrel launched the ACT Assessment Program in the fall of that year.

ACT and the University will co-direct the ACT Scholars Program, which will provide a unique opportunity for qualified students to pursue graduate programs at the University and obtain valuable experience at ACT. As part of a community of learners, the ACT Scholars will participate as a group in numerous activities designed to broaden and enrich their education and experience.

The University and ACT are committed to promoting diversity. Accordingly, students of racial/ethnic backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in the University and Iowa City communities will be sought to become ACT Scholars. Scholars can be named in several fields at the University, including education, business, human resources, information technology, mathematics, and statistics. To the extent possible, assignments at ACT will be developed to match students’ capabilities and interests and their programs of study.

ACT Scholars will receive full tuition plus a stipend. Students selected for the program will be assigned to a business unit at ACT and attend the University full-time during the nine-month academic year. Summer internship opportunities may also be available.

“The program will provide participants with a unique opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in their degree programs to real-world education and workforce issues of the type that ACT is engaged in on a national and international level,” said Ferguson.