Imagine an interactive place where you can find your purpose. Step into firefighting gear to fight a virtual fire, become a welder, design a food truck, or feel the adrenaline rush when you save a life. Austin Community College District (ACC) is changing the way we explore careers at the new Make It Center (MIC) at ACC Highland Campus.
More than 300 people attended a special ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new MIC on Thursday, May 18. The 10,000-square-foot center provides innovative hands-on career exploration, imagination, engagement, and connection. The center will allow individuals to discover ways to make it in Central Texas by connecting interests, strengths, and income goals.
The ribbon-cutting featured tours, exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations of several MIC features. Those include:
- The Square 1 Showroom with hands-on demonstrations for in-demand industries and careers in Central Texas
- The Simulation Zone with virtual reality experiences and 3D and 4D career simulations
- The FabLab with opportunities to build something on-site and connect to careers
Hover over the image below to view the Make It Center Ribbon-Cutting Flickr album.
“There are so many pathways and opportunities out there that people aren’t aware of or haven’t heard of. We don’t want the community just clocking in and out at a job. The Make It Center helps them find an exciting career and allows them to earn a living wage in Central Texas,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes. “We’re working to help people find their purpose and make a career out of their passion.”
The center is the result of a deep collaboration between the college and the Make It Movement. Through hands-on career exploration, the MIC allows students and the community to pursue their passions, find their purpose, and discover educational pathways to get them there.
“While the Make It Movement focuses on high school students, the Make It Center and ACC will expand the focus to individuals of all ages and their families. This center will help inspire students and the community with hands-on experiences to turn their passions and strengths into future careers,” says Dr. Janelle Green, ACC’s Make It Center director.
A grand opening for the public is planned for this summer.
For more information and to book a tour, visit austincc.edu/makeit.