Excel ACT Tutoring and Mentoring Program

The Excel ACT Tutoring and Mentoring Program, coordinated by the offices of pre-college programs and the service-learning center at Calvin College, is an expansion of tutoring provided for the ACT from one to five Grand Rapids public high schools.  Through a generous grant from the Michigan Campus Compact, up to 50 students in each semester (fall and spring) from Central, Creston, Grand Rapids Montessori, Ottawa Hills, and Union high schools will be able to participate in a six-week session in which Calvin students provide mentoring and tutoring assistance for the ACT. Students are also able to participate in additional academic enrichment and other activities offered by the college, such as the STEP (Striving Towards Eduational Possibilities) conference and events offered through the Pathways to Possibilities Program.

There is a refundable $20.00 fee due with the application. For students who are admitted, the fee will be returned at the end of the six-week session with a minimum of 80% attendance.

GRPS logos

Time is dedicated to covering specific subject matter included on the ACT:  English, math, reading, science, and writing.  At the end of each six-week session, the pairs and triads (in addition to the pre-college students’ parents) will be honored through a celebration. 

Students on Commons lawn

Dates, Time and Location

Tutoring for the spring session will take place on Calvin's campus from February 9 through March 18. Students must be able to commit 1-2 days a week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays) for up to two hours each week between 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. on the designated days. 

How To Apply

The application deadline for the spring session is Friday, January 22, 2010. Please download the application and fax or mail it, in addition to a copy of your current year (2009-2010) school ID card and the $20.00 application fee (refundable), to the office of pre-college programs (see contact information below). You may also check for applications with the guidance office at your high school.

How to Nominate

School administrators, guidance counselors, teachers and other community influencers are also encouraged to nominate students from the designated high schools. The nomination deadline for the spring session is Wednesday, January 13, 2010. Nomination forms may be faxed or mailed (see contact information below).

Contact Us

Calvin College
Office of Pre-College Programs
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616-526-6749 (phone)
616-526-6756 (fax)
precollege@calvin.edu

Funding to support this grant is provided by Michigan Campus Compact (MCC), College Access Challenge Grant funds and the King-Chavez-Parks Initiative's GEAR UP/College Day (GU/CD) Program within the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

This program is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Education College Access Challenge Grant. However, contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.