At just 24 years old, Eriverto (Eddie) A. is breaking new ground as one of the first students to complete a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Manufacturing Engineering at Austin Community College District (ACC). As the oldest of three children and the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree, this achievement marks a significant milestone in their life.
“I came from a low-income family and made my way up the ladder to where I am now,” says Eddie.
A unique characteristic of the ACC Advanced Manufacturing Program is the pathways that allow students to start with entry-level courses and move up to a bachelor’s degree.
The program begins with courses in ACC’s Continuing Education division. Those awards can then apply to the associate degree program. From there, everything stacks up to help students pursue their bachelor’s degree at ACC. They’re pathways Eddie took advantage of.
“It feels amazing to see the end of the tunnel after putting in lots of hard work toward completion.”
Eddie began his journey at ACC in August 2018, earned his associate degree in May 2020, and will complete his bachelor’s degree in December 2024.
“My counselors were the biggest resource I used as they helped me set a pathway that would not only fall in line with the degree I wanted to work for but also get the experience I needed to succeed in that career field. I was fortunate to work alongside faculty in the Advanced Manufacturing Department on my path toward my associate and bachelor’s. It was very easy and straightforward.”
Eddie A. meeting the Secretary of Commerce twice was a highlight of their time at ACC. “I was very honored to meet her and be able to give students and ACC a voice of the amazing work that is being done to help their communities. I was very surprised that she remembered me the second time we met.”
Choosing ACC was a decision driven by both opportunity and community. The College’s Advanced Manufacturing Program built a path for students to work and get credit simultaneously.
“Manufacturing was an unknown world to me. I chose ACC due to the apprenticeship program with Samsung. I fell in love with the community and College and decided to stick with it to see how far I could get.”
Stacking on his bachelor’s degree was a strategic move in their career.
“After working five years in the industry, I felt as if I reached a barrier in my career and knew that the next steps were to go back to school and continue my education. My long-term career goals are learning more about manufacturing and being able to use my experience and knowledge in the engineering field.”
For Eddie, persisting through ACC was about the hands-on experiences to practice and do the work.
“The professors are interactive with students. Not only do they have real-world experience, but they are able to give students that vision to understand the application of education. I got to learn how to make Programmable Logic Controllers and apply that knowledge to an internship.”
His advice to anyone on the fence: “Do it. It is worth your time and it will give you the opportunities you are looking for.”
To learn more about ACC’s Advanced Manufacturing programs, visit austincc.edu/manufacturing.