ACC honored for programs promoting diversity on campus

 At the 10th annual National Role Models Conference in Washington D.C., Austin Community College was honored for its programs that support diversity by Minority Access Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit  that works on recruitment, retention and advancement of minorities on campus. Minority Access includes over 170 institutes of higher education. 

"This award recognizes the college's innovative and comprehensive efforts to promote higher education among traditionally under served populations," Richard Armenta, ACC vice president for Student Success, said in a press release.

Programs like College Connection, which navigates high school seniors through the college admissions process, and Men of Distinction that focuses on the needs of African American students were identified as some of the ACC programs that encourage diversity. 

"ACC is fully committed in honoring the rights and needs of all people equally. As you can see through the past, current and soon to be developed programs, ACC believes in the retention and recruitment of underrepresented persons," Student Life Coordinator John Jacobs said.

ACC experienced a 19 percent increase in African-American students and a 14 percent growth among Hispanics between fall 2008 and fall 2009. 

"The programs ACC is building are breaking down a lot of misconceptions on educational outcomes, goals, potentials and dreams of many underrepresented students," Jacobs said.

"Every week I am fortunate, through ACC, to provide them with resources that will encourage, uplift, inspire and educate them to be everything that they dream they can be."