Latino Student Success eases college transition at ACC

The Latino community at Austin Community College gathered in the Eastview multipurpose room, on Sept. 8 for The Latino Student Success Reception, Plaza de Las Americas. The event was hosted to help Latino students understand the resources available to them at the college.

"Our goal in hosting an event like this is not to focus on segregation, but (rather) to close the gap between nationalities and create equal opportunities for everyone," said Spanish media specialist Alejandra Martinez.

There was a question and answer section, free food, and prize giveaways. Students who had attended similar events have found them helpful.

"They helped assist me in getting acclimatized to the college environment, which made it easier to achieve my goals," said Abraham Castillo, an architecture student at Eastview. 

Many of the college age Latino students in Austin don't even go to college according to Martinez.

"Sixty percent of the eligible (graduating) students in the Austin Independent School District are of Latino background, and of that sixty percent, only fifteen percent pursue collegiate degrees," said Martinez.

These student success events are meant to inform students about how they can be successful in college.

"These events give students a great opportunity to connect with resources, services, and faculty members that can be available to assist them in the future, when the need arises," said Dr. Richard Armenta, vice president of Student Success at ACC.  

Editor's Note: Engineering student  was changed to architecture student.