Austin Community College District (ACC) shared its vision for building what’s next in higher education, workforce development, and regional economic opportunity at the second annual State of ACC, held on Thursday, February 19, at the ACC Rio Grande Campus.
The annual update outlined how the College is evolving to meet the rapid growth happening across Central Texas, from the new workforce demands to the changing economic landscape.
“We’re building on more than a decade of progress while advancing new strategies focused on workforce alignment, affordability, student success, and long-term economic resilience,” said ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “Our community’s future depends on students being able to access college, earn a credential, and step into a family-sustaining career. ACC is committed to being the trusted partner that brings people together to make that possible.”
What’s Working
The College shared that nearly 10,000 students are now enrolled through ACC’s Free Tuition initiatives, helping expand access for low-income students and contributing to stronger persistence and completion rates. It also announced new workforce pipelines developed in partnership with local school districts, including Career Academies designed to prepare high school students for careers in robotics, automation, and semiconductor technologies.
“We are honored and privileged to work alongside ACC through Career Academies. We were so excited that we dove in headfirst and decided one wasn’t enough, so we are launching six or seven,” said Traci Hendrix, Pflugerville ISD Military and Academy director. “I see the impact we’re having on students’ lives, their families, and the community. We want them to be ready for industry, but we also want to make sure they are prepared and able to go to college.”
What We Are Doing Together
ACC highlighted the new collaborations we’ve built with regional employers to strengthen learning and training in high-demand careers, including infrastructure, construction, and advanced manufacturing. These programs offer new apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities for our students.
The College is also working with partners to do even more to support students both in and out of the classroom.
Data show those supports matter. Last fall, more than 7,000 students visited our campus food pantries on campus, and more students sought support through our mental health counseling services. Those who got support were more likely to stay enrolled.
The College expects to do even more in the year ahead with continued support. Local employer, Applied Materials, announced that it was able to secure grant funding to help support all 11 food pantries across the district.
“College students experience food insecurity at four times the national average, and that rate is even higher for community college students,” said Michele Walker-Moak, Global Community Affairs manager at Applied Materials. “ACC had this remarkable vision for its students and was able to remove barriers to reach them. I believe ACC’s vision is bold and compassionate, and we are excited to work with you to see it come to life.”
What’s Changing
The College announced the expansion of campuses and learning spaces to make sure they’re modern and built to provide the education and training spaces our students need. Expansions are underway at Eastview, Round Rock, Hays, and in Southeast Travis County.
Changes are also underway to prepare students for an AI-driven economy. The College is integrating artificial intelligence systems and exploring emerging technologies to better understand and support student success.
“There are likely to be profound changes, but that will make ACC’s mission even more critical,” said Guhan Venkatu, vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. “The way they think about the future of the workforce is that we need people who can work effectively with others, but also with machines.”
You can read more about ACC’s strategic initiatives at austincc.edu/stateofacc.
View photos from the event in the Flickr album below.
