ACT Prep Academy Launches in Northwest Arkansas This Fall

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A new team-taught five-week course will provide high school juniors and seniors in northwest Arkansas with motivating strategies and a fresh approach to conquering the ACT. The classes will be taught by co-directors of the College Access Initiative, a new educational opportunity within the University of Arkansas office of diversity, which partners with schools, educators, organizations and communities to offer ACT preparation and other outreach to improve college access among Arkansas students.

Students attending the ACT Prep Fall Academy will discover the balance between speed and accuracy; remove mental blocks that inhibit performance; gain familiarity and confidence with the test format; understand the role the test plays in the college planning process; and move toward realizing their true potential on the test. Parents will also learn about the process during a parent-teacher orientation held the week prior to the five weeks of classes.

During the 2009-10 academic year, Charles Robinson, vice provost for diversity, traveled around Arkansas, building relationships with key high schools. His goal was to determine how the university could provide better services. One result of these conversations is the College Access Initiative, as it was clear the university could be doing more for underrepresented high schools in terms of college readiness programs. The launch will be held in northwest Arkansas with courses in other parts of the state to be held throughout the year.

The Benton County academy will be held at the University of Arkansas Global Campus in Pinnacle Hills on Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 25. The Washington County academy will be held in Hotz Hall on the University of Arkansas campus on Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 26.

Each class is limited to 25 students, and registration will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost for the five-week session is $150. Students and parents can register by e-mailing Bryan Hembree at hembree@uark.edu (e-mail corrected) with the following information: student’s name, high school, grade level, grade point average, test scores and dates taken, name of parent or guardian, home address and phone number, student’s cell phone number and e-mail address and parent or guardian’s cell phone number and e-mail.