Act 101 Program

It is never too late to invest in your future!

Act 101 is a resource program for Pennsylvania residents who score at the developmental level in their College placement tests for reading, English and mathematics, and who need financial assistance in order to become ready for college-level courses.

The Act 101 Summer Bridge Program is an intensive, tuition/textbook free 7-week program geared toward making your transition to college life a smooth and meaningful experience. The program is designed to enhance the skills you need for academic success and individual growth. Qualified students must provide their own transportation and lunch during the Summer Bridge Program.

We encourage students who are eligible for the Act 101 program to take advantage of these services and look forward to a more successful College experience!

A classroom with students sitting at computers while a woman gives a lecture in the front, with a projector displaying content.

Who is eligible for Act 101?

Act 101 has academic and economic criteria:

• Academic eligibility: Prospective students must take the Delaware County Community College placement test and score at the ENG 050, REA 050, and MAT 025/050 placement level.
• Economic eligibility is based a student’s household adjusted gross income; to establish qualification for financial aid, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), must be completed and can be found at studentaid.gov.

What services are available through Act 101?

Counseling services are a fundamental and important ingredient of the Act 101 Program. The program’s counseling services will help our students realize their personal and educational goals, including:

• Introduction to the College and the Act 101 Program
• Assistance with career planning and decision-making
• Academic advising and help in course selection
• Assistance in clarifying values and developing goals
• Providing personal counseling

In addition to counseling services, academic tutoring services are available to all Act 101 students, scheduled by the students according to their schedules. Other resources available through Act 101 include:

• Computer stations to assist with coursework
• Study skills workshops
• Individual sessions in time management, note-taking, memory techniques and test-taking

A student and counselor having a conversation in a counseling office, with documents and a ‘Transfer Road Map’ in the background.

Program History

1971: Pennsylvania Higher Education Equal Opportunity Act

Created by Mr. K. Leroy Irvis, then Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Aimed to reform higher education in the Commonwealth.
Addressed the lack of opportunities for students and the Commonwealth’s need for skilled individuals.

1974: Act 101 Program Launch

Began at Delaware County Community College.
Designed to support students who might not otherwise attempt higher education.

Impact:

Transformed thousands of lives by opening access to higher education.
Forever altered the landscape of higher education in the Commonwealth.

Today:

Act 101 continues to provide:
- Educational support services.
- Strengthening of academic skills.
- Increased confidence in students’ ability to achieve.