ACT Names Butler a National Exemplar

ACT today announced the four national winners of the 2017 ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign, which highlights the exceptional achievements of students, schools and employers championing college and career readiness in their communities.

This year’s four National Exemplars — selected by a national committee of education and workforce leaders from across the U.S. — are:

• Butler Community College, Early College Academies, El Dorado, Kansas—National Career Preparedness Exemplar (Postsecondary Institution)
• Jayne Hanna, Nunivak Island, Alaska—National Student Readiness Exemplar (High School Senior)
• Immokalee High School, Immokalee, Florida—National College & Career Readiness Exemplar (High School)
• Martco, LLC (RoyOMartin), Alexandria, Louisiana—National Workplace Success Exemplar (Employer)

The National Exemplars were chosen from four semifinalists in each campaign category: high school senior (Student Readiness Exemplar), high school (College and Career Readiness Exemplar), postsecondary institution (Career Preparedness Exemplar), and employer (Workplace Success Exemplar).

“We’re delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of all 130 of our state exemplars across all 50 states and the District of Columbia,” said Scott Montgomery, senior vice president of public affairs at ACT. “In particular, we congratulate our four National Exemplars for advancing college and career readiness for all, while embodying valuable principles of perseverance, ingenuity, problem-solving, and educational equity.”

The four National Exemplars will be recognized and awarded at ACT’s annual corporate meeting on October 19, 2017, in Iowa City, Iowa, which will wrap up this year’s campaign.

“Being recognized nationally as an exemplary program speaks volumes,” said Kim Krull, Butler Community College president. “Our Early College Academies are an example to the nation of the opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in a chosen career path and achieve educational milestones. A focus of student success, along with outstanding curriculum and instruction, allows students to save time and money as they earn industry-recognized credentials and an associate degree.”

Butler started its first Early College Academy seven years ago and now hosts 180 students. The college currently provides Early College Academies in Business & Entrepreneurship, Health Sciences, Criminal Justice & Legal Studies, Fire Science, Engineering Technology, Education, Cyber Security, 3D Technology (Animation, Digital Media and Video Production).

Butler was selected for this prestigious award based on the program’s ability to maintain a retention rate of more than 90%. In 2017, 93% of Butler Academy students completed their associate’s degree just prior to high school graduation. All students in the 2016-2017 graduating class are either transferring to a college or joining the military.

“Academy students are not only prepared academically for their career, but they perform a complete job shadow, have internship opportunities and receive soft skills training so they have their associate’s degrees and employability when they graduate from high school,” said Christy Streeter, Associate Dean over the Early College Academies. “They are remarkable students. They will change this world, of that I have no doubt!”

ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa, ACT is trusted as a national leader in college and career readiness, providing high-quality assessments grounded in nearly 60 years of research. ACT offers a uniquely integrated set of solutions designed to provide personalized insights that help individuals succeed from elementary school through their career. Learn more about the ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign on the ACT website.