The Pennsylvania College Application Campaign (PCAC) is part of the national American College Application Campaign (ACAC) initiative. ACAC is a national effort to increase the number of first-generation students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential. The primary purpose of this effort is to help high school seniors navigate the complex college admissions process and ensure they apply to at least one postsecondary institution. The effort occurs during the school day, with a focus on students who might not otherwise apply to college.
The ACAC initiative began in 2005, in a single GEAR UP North Carolina high school in Chatham County. Since that time, the program has expanded statewide in North Carolina with every district and over 470 high schools participating annually. Since 2008, the number of states implementing a College Application program has been growing. In 2014, ACAC took place in all 50 states and the District of Columbia with over 4,000 schools hosting programs.
American College Application Campaign
Pennsylvania College Application Campaign
Year Program Started: 2014
Program Coordinator: Mike Dotts
Email Address: rdotts@pa.gov