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Welcome to the Act 101 Program!

A NO COST program for eligible students funded through PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency)

The ACT 101 Program Mission Statement

Designed for Pennsylvania residents who demonstrate academic and financial need, our ACT101 program meets students exactly where they are. Rooted in Cedar Crest College’s commitment to every student’s success, the program builds the tools, confidence, and community students need to thrive in college and beyond. 

How do students participating in the ACT 101 Program benefit?

The Act 101 program assists Cedar Crest students in several ways as they navigate their academic journey. These resources are available at no cost to eligible students. 

Lending Library 

  • From textbooks to lab coats to calculators to laptops, borrow the supplies you need to succeed 
  • Borrow essential equipment, including laptops, to support you throughout your academic journey 
  • Alleviates the financial burden of purchasing textbooks and supplies so you can walk into every class prepared and confident 

Mentoring and Coaching 

  • Meet one-on-one with the Director of Persistence Support Resources each semester for personalized support tailored to your goals 
  • Work together to build a semester plan and develop essential academic skills — from time management and study strategies to overcoming test anxiety 

What are the expectations of students?

  • Be open and available to develop an academic plan to ensure success 
  • Follow through on academic plan agreement 
  • Take care of books and supplies borrowed from our lending library 
  • Attend at least one Act 101 Community of Learning Event 

Gather with other Act 101 Community of Learning members at events throughout the academic year to explore topics of interest and build relationships on campus. To learn more about Act 101 and other resources, contact: 

Lisa Johnson 
Director of Persistence Support Resources 

Student Testimonials

  • “ACT 101 has definitely taken a lot of stress off me as well as my mom. It’s not often you have someone who’s willing to support you financially but emotionally and mentally as well. I like how we have the opportunity to meet with the ACT 101 Advisor and figure out what works best for us (meaning each individual student).” – Quadira McPherson, Junior
  • “It’s meant stability in my ability to receive aid I would have not been able to excel in college without.” – Carley Roberts, Junior
  • “The ACT program as provided me with materials and sources that I needed and took out the stress factor that came with them. It has also encouraged me to be a better student and motivates me to strive to be the best student I could possibly be.” – Anonymous, Sophomore