ACT Provides Fee Waivers to Student Victims of Hurricane Katrina

September 22, 2005

IOWA CITY, Iowa—ACT is providing fee waivers to student victims of Hurricane Katrina. High school juniors and seniors who live in the flood zone or have been displaced to new locations because of the hurricane can register to take the ACT exam at no cost in December or February. The majority of college-bound high school students in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama take the ACT exam for college admissions and placement.

"We are very concerned about these students," said Richard L. Ferguson, ACT's chief executive officer. "Their families have gone through so much, we want to do what we can to help ease their anxiety and financial burdens, and help students continue with their college plans."

To receive the fee waiver, students should go to their high school guidance counselor's office and request that an ACT fee waiver form be submitted in their name. When filling out the fee waiver form, counselors need to write the word "Katrina" on the form. Students will also need to complete the normal registration materials.

Counselors with questions, or needing additional forms, can contact ACT toll-free at 866-763-3228. ACT is also sending detailed information on the fee waiver procedure to high schools. The registration deadline for the December 10 test date is November 4, 2005. The deadline to register for the February 11 test date is January 6, 2006.

ACT responded in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane by offering its assistance to students, counselors, and other educators in the affected areas and by donating funds to the relief effort. ACT made a corporate gift of $10,000 to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army and has matched $25,000 of its employees' personal donations. The total ACT corporate and employee contribution to these agencies has now surpassed $67,000.

Students and educators who have immediate concerns about any of the services ACT provides may contact ACT by calling 866-763-3228 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday.