From national recognition for its work to accelerate Hispanic student success to seeing a growth in Hispanic student enrollment this year, Austin Community College District (ACC) has a lot to celebrate during National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Hispanic Heritage Month was established to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, traditions, and contributions of people and their ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

As a nationally certified Hispanic Serving Institute (HSI) for the past 12 years, ACC is committed to hosting not only opportunities for the community to learn more about the culture but also to establish the programs and resources that can best support our students. 

In 2019, ACC was awarded the National Seal of Excelencia by Excelencia in Education — a national organization accelerating Latino student success in higher education — for its positive role in serving Latino students. The college was recertified in 2022, and in 2024 it was one of 24 colleges and universities selected nationwide to help release a new analysis on the evolving opportunities for Latino students — one of the fastest-growing populations in higher education — and the institutions serving them.

ACC’s Hispanic student population is fast-growing at the college, from 38% in fall 2019 to more than 41% in fall 2023. In the same timeframe, the college increased degrees and awards by 37% for Hispanic students, with more than 4,550 awarded during the 2023 academic year.

The College celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 with a series of events and an employee spotlight series. 

Hispanic Heritage Month Events 

Reflection and Renewal: Chican(x)Futurism in Texas
Date: Monday, September 23, through Thursday, December 12
Time: All Day
Location: ACC Highland Campus Gallery 2000
What: The Art Galleries (TAG) at Austin Community College hosts the Fall 2024 exhibition, Reflection and Renewal: Chican(x)Futurism in Texas. Four artists featured in this exhibition blend Indigenous cultural references with sci-fi and tech-based narratives to relocate Mexican American identities. 

Emerging Leaders’ Summit
Date: Friday, October 4 
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: ACC Highland Campus, Building 2000, Presentation Hall
What: Join intensive workshops and panel discussions on leadership development and career readiness. HACU’s partners will be actively networking and recruiting for internship opportunities.

Hispanic Student Outcomes Data Dive
Date: Thursday, October 10 
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom (Link coming soon)
What: Dr. Richard Griffiths from the Office of Institutional Research and Analytics (OIRA) will provide an overview of Hispanic student success metrics at ACC in comparison to national trends. The presentation will also include an overview of Hispanic student satisfaction with the college and its services as expressed in recent surveys. The presentation will be followed by an open discussion of how to better meet the needs of Hispanic students and to continue to increase their success.

All events are free and open to the community. Hispanic Heritage Month events at ACC are sponsored by the college’s “El Centro” Latin American Cultural Center along with Ascender; Student Life; LatinX Student Union (LXSU); Honors Student Organization (HSO); The Art Galleries (TAG); and the ACC Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center.

For a full list of cultural month events and activities, visit austincc.edu/hhm. 

Find additional resources, information, and events on the Cultural Mosaic for Hispanic Heritage website.

ACC Talks Hispanic Heritage Month

The annual employee spotlight series is coming soon. To nominate a colleague, fill out this form. If you are interested in participating, answer this questionnaire. 

To find support year-round at ACC, visit the College’s Latin American Cultural Center. Located at Riverside Campus, the center serves as a permanent space for community and cultural celebration.