The fall semester is just around the corner, and Austin Community College District (ACC) is on track to see a 15% increase in fall enrollment over last year. From food access to mental health care and transportation, the College remains committed to enhancing and expanding its resources to help all students succeed.
New and Expanded Initiatives
Starting this fall, the ACC is expanding and upgrading its food pantries. Students will soon have access to a Riverbat Bites food pantry at every ACC campus across the district. More information is coming soon. Other existing food options will remain available to students. Learn more at the ACC Food Support web page.
The College is also launching a new pilot program with TimelyCare—the virtual health and well-being platform—to offer 24/7 access to mental health and medical services to eligible students at no charge. These students, including pregnant and parenting students, students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, EMT/EMS and Nursing students, current or former foster care students, and students impacted by the judicial system, will receive communication about these free services at the beginning of the fall semester.
Existing Resources
Get familiar with some of the many ways ACC continues to support students this fall:
Mental Health Support
ACC offers free, confidential counseling and wellness workshops to support students’ mental health throughout the semester. Getting help can help improve their relationships, focus in school, and overall well-being. Learn more at the ACC Mental Health Counseling web page.
Student Emergency Fund
Life happens. For students who face an unexpected expense that threatens their ability to stay in school, ACC may be able to provide one-time financial support to cover costs such as medical bills, car repairs, or housing issues. Learn more at the Student Emergency Fund web page.
Child Care Support
We know balancing school and family can be tough. ACC offers child care scholarships and support in finding a facility so students can attend class and focus on their goals. Learn more at the Child Care Resources web page.
Housing Assistance
From navigating housing searches to accessing local shelter and rental support programs, ACC helps connect students with trusted community partners that can assist. Learn more at the Housing Support web page. The College continues to pursue additional resources to support students’ housing needs.
Free Rides with the Green Pass
Getting to class is easier—and free—with the Green Pass. Ride all CapMetro services, including bus, rail, and Pickup on-demand, at no cost with an ACC student ID. The Green Pass is also available to eligible faculty and staff. Learn more at the Transportation Resources web page.
Students who need support can reach out directly to the Advocacy team at [email protected].
Future Plans
The Basic Needs Theory of Change Committee continues to work to expand and scale key initiatives already in place at the College that address student challenges.
To help with this work, the College is launching a short assessment to identify the early needs of our students so we can intervene and prevent students from dropping out in the first four weeks. The assessment will be piloted at the Round Rock and Highland campuses before being expanded collegewide.
ACC is also launching its first Community Assistance, Resources & Empowerment (C.A.R.E.) Network Center at Round Rock Campus this fall. The center, located in Building 2000, will co-locate student advocates, mental health counselors, a food pantry, and community resource navigation in one accessible space. A second phase will include a health clinic and a drop-in child care facility.