When Brittany Sifford walked back into a classroom at Austin Community College, it wasn’t just about finishing a degree—it was about reclaiming a dream she once thought was out of reach.

“I originally started at ACC in 2014 but had to withdraw due to medical issues that went undiagnosed for years,” she shares. “Returning in 2021 was my second chance—this time with a clear goal: to finish what I started and build a career in tech.”

Now 31, Brittany is earning her Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming. But for her, the degree represents more than academic achievement.

“This degree is more than a credential. It’s a symbol of resilience, growth, and the support I found within the ACC community,” she says. “Before returning to school, I spent nearly a decade navigating health challenges while working in the service industry. I was just trying to stay afloat and searching for a way forward. When the pandemic hit, I was laid off—what felt like a setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise.”

That moment led her to ACC’s Software Development Bootcamp through the College’s Continuing Education Division, offered in partnership with Workforce Solutions. What started as a learning opportunity soon became something much bigger. Brittany not only transitioned into ACC’s credit program—she returned to the bootcamp as an instructor, mentoring students as they launched their own careers in tech.

“It was in those moments of teaching and mentoring that I really began to see what I was capable of,” she says. “I wasn’t just learning how to code—I was learning how to lead.”

Brittany’s leadership extended well beyond the classroom. As an active member of ACC’s Women in Tech (WIT) community, she helped organize events and create inclusive spaces for students to connect, grow, and see themselves represented in the industry.

In 2023, she was the only community college student selected for a prestigious Software Engineering internship at Q2, a major Austin-based fintech company. This summer, she’ll continue her momentum with a Software Engineering internship at CDK Global while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Software Development.

“I’m so proud to represent ACC and show what’s possible,” Brittany says. “Being selected for that internship was a defining moment—it confirmed that I belonged in this field and that ACC students are ready to contribute on big stages.”

With graduation in sight, Brittany stands at a milestone she once thought she might never reach.

“This moment represents more than academic progress—it’s proof that persistence pays off, even when the journey takes longer than expected,” she says. “I’ll always be part of the ACC community, and I’m ready to give back in every way I can.”

Her advice to others: “Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. It’s never too late to start—or restart. Be open to growth, ask for help, and lean on this community. That’s what helped me get here.”

For more information about the program, visit austincc.edu/csit.