ACT gives $2 million to endow new Kirkwood scholarship

ACT Inc. has committed $2 million to establish an endowed scholarship fund at Kirkwood Community College.

The gift by Iowa City-based ACT through the Kirkwood Foundation will provide substantial funds for students pursuing studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics areas.

Richard Ferguson, ACT chairman and chief executive officer, on Friday noted the long and productive partnership between Kirkwood and his educational testing and research firm as he announced the major gift.

“We admire and value the efforts of two year colleges, like Kirkwood, that directly connect education and workforce requirements,” Ferguson said. “Our ACT staff has benefitted from Kirkwood training and many of our employees are Kirkwood graduates.

“We hope this commitment will play an important role in the future of student success and economic vitality in Iowa.”

Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich hailed the ACT gift as “one of the brightest days ever” for the college.

“The ACT endowment is our single largest gift and will mean many opportunities for students for generations to come,” Starcevich said. ”We are proud of our partnership with ACT and are truly grateful for this gift.

“ACT understands the skills and knowledge our current and future work force needs to stay competitive around the world. Their consistent work with Kirkwood and others to identify and encourage solid employee skills has been a cornerstone of our partnerships in job growth and economic development.”

Since 2005 Kirkwood has been a partner with ACT in implementing the National Career Readiness Certificate/Iowa Career Readiness Certificate, with 145 employers involved in the region. More than 3,000 certificates have been awarded to individual employees since the program's inception.

Kathy Hall, Kirkwood vice president of resource development, saluted the “transformational scope” of the ACT gift.

“We appreciate this wonderful vote of confidence for Kirkwood's education and training programs,” Hall said. “ACT has been a stalwart partner in many positive initiatives with tangible benefits to individual employees and companies of all sizes. The endowed support that starts today will benefit students for generations to come.

“The fruits of this gift will make good things possible long after the present day.”