Act 101 Educational Opportunities Program

The Act 101 Program was created as a result of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Equal Opportunity Act 101 in 1971. It was initiated by the Lion of Pennsylvania, the Honorable K. Leroy Irvis. The program focuses on serving undergraduate students in order to make the ideal of educational opportunity a reality for all qualified students.

Clarion ACT 101 students develop as campus leaders and graduate with marketable skills. For example, ACT 101 students serve as officers for student organizations, plan campus-wide events, intern with prestigious companies, and complete major research projects. 

Support services include access to free textbooks through our lending library, assistance with & early class registration, free peer and group tutoring, workshops, and academic and career counseling. If you are a resident of Pennsylvania, contact the Advising Center in Becht Hall to determine eligibility.

ACT 101 - Benefits

  • Early Class Registration
  • Free academic counseling and testing
  • Free tutoring
  • Help planning and scheduling classes for fall and spring semesters
  • Community Enrichment Series (CES) programs with an emphasis on studying smarter, not harder
  • Access to free textbooks through the ACT 101 lending library

Participants Will Have the Opportunity to:

  • Participate in new and exciting college experiences
  • Establish new relationships
  • Interact continuously with support staff
  • Integrate academic and career goals
  • Learn, develop, grow and reach one's true potential

Act 101 services evolve with the needs of our participants. Currently, our services include but are not limited to:

Academic Coaching Services

Coaching services are a fundamental component of each ACT 101 Program. Clarion University provides coaching services that help students to realize their personal and educational goals.

The ACT 101 Program at Clarion University uses professional coaches who work individually or in groups to provide help in the following areas:

  • orienting students to the college and the ACT 101 Program
  • assisting students in career planning and decision making
  • academic advising and course selection
  • assisting students in values clarification and self-concept development
  • personal counseling
  • financial aid counseling
  • assessing academic needs
  • providing study skills assistance
  • referring students to other campus service

Tutorial Services

The ACT 101 Program includes a strong tutorial component. This service is designed to supplement prior educational experience in high school or to act as a refresher for students entering the post-secondary educational system after a long absence. 

To improve the basic skills of reading, writing, and math, the program provides tutorial support for those courses offered by the institution and individual skills enhancement to ensure efficient learning (study smarter, not harder). 

Tutorial support is provided. Tutoring at this level may be provided on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. Attention is paid not only to the mastery of content in these areas, but also to the development of efficient, productive study habits. Information is available for study skills such as test preparation, test taking skills, test anxiety, reading and remembering, time management, and note taking.

As the student acquires the skills and disciplined study habits that make him/her an independent learner, extensive tutorial contact fades in importance. However, tutors are available to ACT 101 students who need help as long as they are enrolled in the institution. 

ACT 101 - Eligibility

ACT 101 participants are chosen on the basis of their academic potential, motivation and aspirations. To be eligible for program services, students must be full-time residents of Pennsylvania and must meet certain academic and economic criteria. 

Academic Eligibility

Institutional norms are used to establish educational eligibility. Traditional indicators of class rank, high school grades and college entrance scores can be supplemented by other indicators. Generally, eligible program participants have a predicted academic QPA of 2.0 (C) or less as determined by Clarion University. 

Economic Eligibility

Eligible program participants are students whose financial resources for higher education are limited. Eligibility is based upon the adjusted family income as defined in the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency procedures for calculating student financial aid.  

Contact the Advising Center in 419 Becht Hall for more information.

Last Updated 3/4/20