Free ACT/SAT Prep Program Seen as Benefiting Athletes Most

College-bound student athletes just got a huge assist in their preparation for ACT and SAT entrance exams.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association, the National Federation of High Schools, MaxPreps and eKnowledge have teamed up to offer free educational software to help students prepare for the exams. The SAT and ACT PowerPrep programs are a $250 value but can acquired for $17.55 because of the cooperative.

"We have found student athletes appreciate it more, but it's for all students," said Mike McCraken, eKnowledge's press liaison.

Iowa students and their families can now receive a free semester-length DVD or Online SAT or ACT prep program - the same programs used in classrooms around the country and by the U.S. Military. The cooperative project waives the full retail price of the programs.

In 2005, eKnowledge formed The SAT/ACT Donation Project with support and partnerships with athletes from the NFL and MLB, as well as over 100 corporations, foundations and not-for-profit organizations. To date, the project has provided over 200,000 SAT/ACT Prep Programs valued at more than $44,000,000.

"This is a truly amazing opportunity for our student athletes and their families," said Elliot Hopkins, the director of educational services for the National Federation of High Schools. "Every student who wants to attend college must complete the SAT or ACT test, so these prep programs are invaluable. Our biggest obstacle has been simply getting the word out to parents and students that all of the students in the state of Iowa are now included in the SAT/ACT Project."

The donated PowerPrep Programs, which come in DVD and online formats, contain 170 video lessons, hundreds of practice questions with detailed explanations, 18 quizzes and more than 40 hours of class work. Parents of high school students may request their copy of the SAT or ACT PowerPrep Program at https://www.eknowledge.com/IowaHSAA or by calling 951-256-4076 (Reference: Iowa News).

ALTHOFF MEMORIAL GAME THIS WEEKEND

Dubuque Senior's 12th annual Scott Althoff Memorial Alumni Baseball Game will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Petrakis Park. Cost is $25 for players, which includes a memorial T-shirt, and $3 for spectators. Proceeds from the event will fund a scholarship to a graduating senior.

For registration information on the alumni game, call Fleming at 563-582-4347 or email [email protected]

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RUN SET FOR SATURDAY

The Dubuque Community School District will hold its annual Elementary Fun Run on Saturday at Dalzell Field.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with a 15-minute family fun run slated to begin at 8:30 a.m. The event is open to all Dubuque Community School District students and their families.

Email More than the Score items to [email protected]