Austin Community College District (ACC) has been recognized by Forbes as a 2024 Best Employer for Diversity and one of America’s Best Midsize Employers. These prestigious awards are presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. 

The rankings were determined through an independent survey from a sample of over 170,000 U.S.-based employees working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the U.S. 

2024 Best Employers for Diversity

The 2024 Best Employers for Diversity were identified in April. ACC ranked 17th among educational institutions nationwide and 170th among the more than 1,300 companies that were researched and assessed for the list. 

The evaluation was based on three different criteria:   

  • Personal Recommendations: Employees were asked to give their opinions on a series of statements regarding age, gender, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQIA+ & general diversity in their current workplace.   
  • Public Recommendations: Participants were also asked to evaluate other employers in their respective industries that stand out either positively or negatively regarding diversity.   
  • KPIs: Extensive research was carried out to evaluate how companies fared across a range of diversity-related best practices. These included representation, accountability and communication, internal initiatives, and external involvement. 

This is ACC’s first year on this list. See the other companies ranked on the full 2024 Best Employers for Diversity list.

America’s Best Midsize Employers 2024

Forbes also recognized ACC as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers for 2024 in February. ACC ranked 81st among 400 organizations nationwide with 1,000 to 5,000 employees and 19th among educational institutions. 

This year, hundreds of midsize organizations with 1,000 to 5,000 employees were ranked according to their dedication to company culture based on employee survey feedback. 

Survey respondents evaluated employers based on a range of criteria, including work-life balance, compensation, gender pay equity, training programs, opportunities for career advancement, diversity, and health benefits. They also indicated their likelihood to recommend their employer and evaluated other companies in their industry.  

ACC previously received this award in 2016. See the other companies ranked on the full America’s Best Midsize Employers 2024 list.

“What I think makes ACC a great place to work, no matter where or how we serve, is that we all go home at the end of the day knowing that we brought positive change to a student’s life that day,” says Kelly Torrico, ACC Vice Chancellor of Human Resources. “We take pride in protecting this place of joy by showing compassion at every opportunity, and courage when it counts the most. What an honor to be a Riverbat!”