Shelby High School in Shelby, North Carolina, is a diverse school of 765 students in Cleveland County where their mission states: To cultivate excellence by providing student-centered exceptional educational experiences while challenging all students to perform at their highest potential.
Part of fulfilling that mission is ensuring every student has the opportunity to take the ACT test as a step toward higher education. The ACT Fee Waiver program helps Shelby students facing economic challenges access testing and postsecondary options by removing the ACT test registration fee, offering access to free test prep and learning resources, providing additional free score reports, and enabling students to request college application fee waivers.
The impact
Since implementing the ACT Fee Waiver program in 2014, Shelby High School has seen the significant impact it has had on their students’ consideration of college opportunities and the confidence to pursue them including:
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Increased ACT participation
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More students applying to college
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Greater scholarship eligibility
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Improved confidence and motivation
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Reduced financial barriers for families
As Shannon Froehlich, Shelby High School counselor, shared, “Without having to worry about the fee of the ACT, students who often face many roadblocks encounter one less barrier with the simple use of a fee waiver.” When students don’t have to worry about test fees, they can better focus on preparing for their future.
Strategies that make a difference
Shelby High School not only encourages students to utilize the ACT Fee Waiver program but proactively supports them throughout the process to promote participation. This approach reinforces important skills like follow-through and commitment that will benefit students during standardized testing and as they transition to higher education. These strategies ensure that ACT fee waivers translate into real opportunities for students:
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Sending reminders via email, text, or phone
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Coordinating with families and guardians
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Hosting pre-test information sessions
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Following up with students who miss initial dates
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Providing transportation support and offering incentives for attendance
Advice for other schools
Froehlich, who leads this effort, shares a helpful tip for other schools that want to implement and encourage the use of ACT’s Fee Waiver program for their students: “Continue to offer and publicize the fee waiver opportunity and make the request process barrier-free.” This advice resonates with parents, educators, and advocates alike; removing obstacles is crucial for students who face financial burdens but want to pursue higher education opportunities.
