Director’s Note 

Dear friends, 

Spring is in full swing, and with it comes the excitement and emotion of watching another class of students take their next big step. College Signing Day on May 1 gave us a wonderful reminder of why this work matters so much. We celebrated students across the country as they committed to colleges and training programs — thank you for lifting their stories and showing them the power of what’s possible after high school. 

Even though Signing Day has passed, our work isn’t done. Many students still need support in completing their plans for the fall. Before seniors leave your doors, make sure they know the FAFSA is still open and it’s not too late if they haven’t submitted their form yet. Help them to understand and compare their financial aid offers and to choose a program that fits their goals. Some colleges have rolling admissions and are still accepting applications — if students haven’t applied or committed to a college, help them know their options and keep doors open. It’s also a great time to encourage juniors to spend some of their summer exploring college and career options, whether researching schools, visiting campuses, or thinking through what they want after high school. 

As we look ahead, we’re also grateful for the time we spent with our ACAC state campaign coordinators at our Annual Convening. These in-person moments help strengthen our collective efforts and renew our shared commitment to school counselors and students. Thank you to everyone who made the event so meaningful, and a special thanks to the Kresge Foundation and the Detroit Regional Chamber for joining us and supporting this important work. 

This season is about celebration and persistence. Let’s keep showing up for our seniors, helping them cross the finish line and head into summer with confidence. 

With gratitude,  
Lisa King, director 

Why We Do This Work: A Decade of College Access at Philip Barbour High

By: Kim Burnett, school counselor, Philip Barbour High School, 2024 School of Excellence Winner 

Over ten years ago, we began participating in college application events at Philip Barbour High School because our students needed more: more access, more information, and more support. Located in rural Barbour County, West Virginia, our community is small. We’re one of the few counties in the state without a Walmart. Many of our students would be the first in their families to attend college, and their families often don’t have the experience to guide them through applications, visits, or financial aid. 

Before we joined the campaign, most college applications weren’t even online. Transportation was (and still is) a hurdle for many of our families, so we made a decision. If our students couldn’t get to the colleges, we’d bring the colleges to them. 

We started hosting our College Application Day events with a clear mission: to give students access to as many postsecondary options as possible in a setting that was welcoming and fun. One of the best early decisions came from our former counselor, Jan Woodard, who insisted that any postsecondary institution participating must allow students to apply for free during the event. That single requirement helped eliminate a major barrier and made the event more inclusive for every student. 

Read the full blog post here. 

Balancing Compassion and Commitment in Challenging Times 

By: Lisa King, director, American College Application Campaign 

 A powerful message I received from the ACAC National Convening's crisis response panel continues to resonate deeply in our ever-changing government and education landscape: lead with kindness, sensitivity, and open-mindedness, especially during difficult times. This call to approach our work and one another with empathy feels especially urgent as many of our ACAC partners are grappling with budget cuts or freezes across important departments and programs, like the recent AmeriCorps funding cuts, affecting many at the state and local levels.  

These positions are more than staffing resources — they’re the heart of many school and community efforts to support students. They represent purpose, people, and our shared promise to open doors to postsecondary opportunities for all. The potential loss isn’t just logistical; it’s deeply personal and felt across our network. 

And yet, despite these challenges, our commitment to students must remain strong. School counselors, college advisors, and educators across the country face the difficult task of holding space for grief, frustration, and uncertainty while continuing to guide students toward their futures. 

Navigating this moment takes intention and care. 

First, prioritize empathy. Many of our colleagues, students, and partners are carrying invisible burdens. Simple gestures like checking in, offering patience, or sharing encouragement can provide a meaningful lift. Look beyond the surface by tuning into nonverbal cues, listening without judgment, and validating what others are experiencing. These small acts build trust and connection during uncertain times. Remember that empathy also involves understanding diverse perspectives and tailoring solutions to meet unique needs. Avoid making assumptions and instead seek to understand the specific context of each situation. 

Second, lean into collaboration. If a school or organization you partner with is affected, start a conversation. Ask what’s changed, what they need, and how you can work together to adapt. Being flexible with timelines, materials, and expectations shows a shared commitment to the work while respecting the realities on the ground. Support can come from many places, so consider reaching out to community partners, volunteers, or local organizations that might be able to help fill gaps or offer creative solutions. 

Finally, keep your eyes on the “why.”  When the path forward feels heavy, let the values of educational impact, access, and student opportunity guide you. Whether it’s adapting a plan, finding new volunteers, or tapping into community support, we’ve seen time and again how creative, committed people can overcome big challenges. 

ACAC is more than a campaign; it’s a community. In moments of challenge, we are reminded that leading with kindness and resolve is not only possible but essential. Together, we can continue to support our students and each other. 

National Higher Education Day

National Higher Education Day is June 6. It’s a day to recognize the importance of higher education and encourage future graduates to continue their studies. College campaign events lend heavily to student success and matriculation, and National Higher Education Day is a chance to acknowledge the role they play in the lives of our students. Use this day as an opportunity to thank the educators, counselors, and partners who helped your school’s campaign events come to life.  

ACT My Journey: Webinar Series

There are never too many resources to assist students and families to learn more about postsecondary options and what works best for them. ACT My Journey rolled out a new webinar series to do just that, where families can access real experts, and each session is free. 

Registration is open for My Journey’s next six events through October, each beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT.

• July 8 | Highly Selective College Admissions: Myths, Facts, and What Really Matters
• Aug. 27 | College Knowledge Night: A Roadmap to College Admissions for 9th–11th Grade Families
• Sept. 9 | Navigating College Admissions: Finding the Right Fit for Students with Learning Differences
• Sept. 16 | Crafting Your Creative Future: College Admissions for Artists & Performers
• Sept. 17 | Game Plan for Success: The College Admissions Playbook for Student-Athletes
• Oct. 15 | College Admissions 101: Your Ultimate College Application Roadmap

ACT Counselor Blog: Building Strong School-Community Partnerships for Student Success  

Strong relationships between schools and their surrounding communities are critical in shaping student success. High school counselors and educators work tirelessly to guide students academically and personally, but the reality is that no one can do this work alone. Meaningful community partnerships provide essential resources, mentorship, and exposure to college and career pathways, ensuring that every student can thrive. 

To learn more about building community partnerships, read the full blog post here. 

QuizMe: ACT Practice Test Quiz  

For the first time, students can practice taking the ACT with a dynamic, personalized, and “gamified” experience, tracking top scores and allowing social media shares. ACT launched QuizMe on March 31 to prep juniors for the test. With QuizMe, students can take specific subject quizzes as often as they want. Each subject area offers three quizzes, all based on real test questions. Subjects include: 

• English 
• Math 
• Reading 
• Science 

Students can start gaming here.