NEWS

Bastrop High School students spent a recent Saturday at Louisiana Tech University preparing for the ACT.

The program allowed students to meet with faculty and mentors, tour campus, and engage in interactive ACT-preparation activities ahead of their next round of testing in March. The program was offered as a part of the partnership between Science and Technology Education Center (SciTEC) and Louisiana Gaining Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (Louisiana GEAR UP).

The ACT is the primary academic assessment used in the higher education admissions process. Resources offered in the workshop included customized content available through Coursera for all students and teachers in the state.

Students had the opportunity to speak to University leaders about their college experiences.

“It was a pleasure having the opportunity to talk with future Bulldogs from my hometown,” said Dr. Les Guice, Louisiana Tech President. “We look forward to having them here on campus as freshmen students very soon.”

Hosting programs like this one on a university campus increases the likelihood that participants will become college students with an established support network and helpful resources.

“Louisiana GEAR UP funding makes these learning and planning opportunities possible for the students we serve,” said Dr. Lindsey Keith-Vincent, Associate Dean in the College of Education. “Preparing students to succeed on admissions assessments is essential. The test score can be a student’s ticket to greater opportunities in higher education.”

Kristi Powell, On Site School Coordinator at Bastrop High School, said the program has already made a difference for the students who participated.

“This was an excellent trip for our students,” Powell said. “The entire day was an enjoyable experience and left our students with a positive impression of Louisiana Tech University and hope for their futures.”

To learn more about the free ACT preparation materials, email scitec@latech.edu.