Hickory Flat Attendance Center Named a 2024 School of Excellence by ACT’s American College Application Campaign
Hickory Flat Attendance Center is one of only 27 schools nationwide honored by ACT®’s American College Application Campaign (ACAC) for its efforts to help high school students apply to college.
For Immediate Release: February 18, 2025
Contact: Brandi Lyndall, (228) 215-8146; blyndall@get2college.org
HICKORY FLAT, MISS. — Hickory Flat Attendance Center is one of only 27 schools nationwide honored by ACT®’s American College Application Campaign (ACAC) for its efforts to help high school students apply to college. The school’s recognition is part of the College Countdown Mississippi effort to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential.
“We would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved in the American College Application Campaign and who played a vital role in hosting college application events,” said Brandi Lyndall, Director of GEAR UP Outreach at Get2College. “Congratulations to the teachers, supporting staff, volunteers, and students at Hickory Flat Attendance Center for this outstanding accomplishment, and for empowering students from all backgrounds to apply to college.”
Hickory Flat Attendance Center was a key contributor to College Countdown Mississippi and the national campaign’s success. The school’s college application event(s) supported:
- 73% first-generation students
- 79% of students applied for the first time to college, and
- 79% of the senior class participated.
The college application process can be confusing and daunting. Winning schools help students understand the steps involved and host events that empower students to complete their applications.
Each year, College Countdown MS works with designated coordinators statewide to host college application events and reach students in their schools and communities, encouraging them to apply to college. Activities in 2024 included college application drives, college planning workshops, and one-on-one mentoring for academic and career support.
Nationally, the campaign has served nearly 4.7 million students who have submitted nearly 8.7 million applications since 2005. This is the fifth year that ACAC has recognized outstanding schools.
College Countdown Mississippi aims to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college at an Application Day Event, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and recognize their post-secondary plans at College Signing Days. This statewide campaign is a partnership initiative of organizations such as Institutions of Higher Learning, Mississippi Community College Board, Mississippi Department of Education, and Get2College. To learn more about College Countdown Mississippi, visit get2college.org/college-countdown.
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About Woodward Hines Education Foundation
Since its inception, WHEF has worked to increase college access and entry for people in Mississippi and has expanded that work to support promising practices that lead to college persistence and completion. The foundation envisions a Mississippi where all people can secure the training and education beyond high school that will allow them to advance their quality of life, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous future for the state. Learn more about WHEF by visiting www.woodwardhines.org.
About Get2College
Get2College, the flagship program of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation, is committed to providing excellent college planning services to Mississippi families to help students get to college and be successful there. The program offers free, comprehensive help to plan, prepare, and pay for education after high school as well as support for students to persist through and complete their education. Get2College also offers direct support to high school counselors and college-planning training to high school counselors, educators, and school leaders. Learn more about Get2College by visiting www.get2college.org.
About the American College Application Campaign
The American College Application Campaign (ACAC), a national initiative of ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, is designed to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families who pursue a postsecondary degree. The purpose is to assist high school seniors as they navigate the college application and admissions process and ensure each participating student submits at least one admissions application. https://equityinlearning.act.org/acac/
About ACT®
ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Grounded in more than 60 years of research, ACT® is a trusted leader in college and career readiness solutions. Each year, ACT® serves millions of students, job seekers, schools, government agencies and employers in the U.S. and around the world with learning resources, assessments, research and credentials designed to help them succeed from elementary school through career. Visit us at www.act.org.