Local Woodlands high school honor students giving back!

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Michael Bannerman, a junior at The John Cooper School is the founder of a community initiative called ACT NOW. He has brought together fellow honor students from Woodlands High School and The John Cooper School to help level the playing field in the college application process by providing free ACT and SAT tutoring to students of families who do not have the financial means to pay for private tutoring.

Although temporarily diverted by the stay-at-home orders brought on by the current health crisis, with the guidance from Susan Powers of Woodlands Test Prep, who he brought on as a sponsor, she has generously donated her time and years of experience to train the student tutors and be a sounding board should they have any questions while tutoring their peers. With the virtual world we are currently learning in, Powers is providing valuable insight to the student tutors as to how to teach virtually.

Bannerman took his first ACT test in 10th grade at which time he scored a 32. By the first month of 11th grade he was at a 35. But what struck him when he was being tutored in 10th grade was the cost of private tutoring. His initial tutoring happened amidst the college admissions scandal which was part of the national conversation. The inequities bothered him and the idea of ACT NOW was born. The goal: To help motivated students who couldn’t otherwise afford private tutoring. If student tutors can help increase an ACT or SAT score by even a few points it can open doors to different college opportunities and change the trajectory of students’ academic lives.

If you know of someone whose family does not have the financial means to pay for private tutoring and would be interested in ACT or SAT tutoring by honor students we are here for you.

“Our tutors are here to help boost scores in any way we can. Let’s work together and maximize opportunities for everyone” said Bannerman.

Please call 310-409-8183 for more information.