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.

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!

Don’t miss the Act 101 FREE 7-week Summer Program!

June 30 – August 14, 2025

Marple Campus, 901 S. Media Line Road, Media, PA 19063

The Act 101 Summer Bridge Program is designed to help recent high school graduates and non-traditional learners improve their academic skills, increase self-confidence and successfully transition to college-level coursework through a fully immersive, 7-week timeframe in the summer months.

Participating students can improve their skills in English, reading and mathematics before starting their regular college experience.

Tutoring and counseling are important components of the program in addition to the coursework so students must be able to attend classes in person at the Marple Campus, Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the duration of the seven weeks.

The Summer Bridge Program is free with no costs for tuition or textbooks.

Courses

Developmental Reading
Developmental English (includes Speech)
Basic or Developmental Mathematics

Note: Credits from these courses are not applicable toward a degree or certificate.

Tutoring

Structured lab sessions with professional tutors are required.
Professional, experienced staff members encourage students to become independent learners by teaching study skills to improve reading, organizing, note-taking, time management and test-taking.
Computers are available to use on reports and papers as well as for individual enrichment in many subject areas.

Support Services

Academic advising and counseling support services will:

Orient the student to the College and the Summer Bridge Program
Assist in career planning and decision-making
Assist in course selection
Help clarify values and develop self-confidence
Provide personal counseling

Next Steps

Please complete the Act 101 Summer Bridge Program Interest Form so that we may reach out to you to assist with next steps.
Interested students should also complete the College’s Application for Admission as soon as possible.
After completing the College’s Application for Admission, interested students need to take the College’s Placement Test by scheduling an appointment as soon as possible to determine eligibility.

For more information or to sign up for the Summer Bridge Program, please call 610-359-5388.

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.