ACT 101 Program Receives Grant

Pennsylvania College of Technology's Act 101 program has received $132,672 in grant funding through the Higher Education Equal Opportunity Program (Act 101) monies. With the College contributing matching funds of $47,886, the total program budget totals $180,558 for the 1997-98 academic year.

Act 101 assists economically and educationally disadvantaged Pennsylvania residents and aims to increase the students' likelihood of success through tutoring services; social activities; and academic, career and personal counseling. Although economically and educationally disadvantaged, the students are highly motivated.

Jennifer L. Hammond, Act 101 academic and career specialist, states, "Many of our students come to us unsure of their place in the College or doubting if they even belong in college. We attempt to give them insight into the strengths they possess, while helping them remediate their academic weaknesses so that they may go on to become successful students and ultimately, successful graduates."

Penn College offers Act 101 services at both its main campus in Williamsport and the North Campus in Wellsboro. Karen A. Bodine, formerly coordinator of the programming at the North Campus, recently transferred to the main campus and is serving as an Act 101 academic and career specialist. Betty Mack has been hired part time to provide service at the North Campus.

"Students benefit from an intrusive, proactive approach," says Mary A. Sullivan, director of academic support services at Penn College. "In addition to tangible services such as tutoring and counseling, Act 101 offers students an opportunity to become a part of a community of mutual support within the larger college community."