Austin Launches New Programs for Community College Success

News Summary

Austin Community College has introduced exciting initiatives aimed at enhancing student transitions to four-year universities. The programs ‘Rise at ACC, Shine at CTX’ and ‘Bats to Cats’ provide individualized support, guaranteed admission, and scholarships for transferring students. With increased funding and new performance metrics, ACC is dedicated to supporting students in their academic journeys and breaking down barriers to higher education.

Austin Unveils Exciting New Programs for Community College Students!

In the vibrant city of Austin, the local community college is stepping up its game to help students pave their way to higher education! Austin Community College (ACC) has just launched *“Rise at ACC, Shine at CTX,”* an initiative designed with the primary goal of making it easier for students to earn a bachelor’s degree at Concordia University Texas (CTX). This new program follows a previously established agreement aimed at simplifying the transfer process to Texas State University (TXST). 🎓

A Boost for ACC Students

So, what does this mean for ACC students? For starters, if you’re enrolled at ACC, you now have *more pathways than ever* to seamlessly transition into a four-year university. Not only do students get individualized support from the application process all the way through to graduation, but they also have access to one-on-one academic advising, financial aid counseling, and help navigating campus resources. With such comprehensive support, students can feel empowered on their educational journeys.

Supporting Student Success

ACC’s Chancellor highlights a crucial point: transfer students often encounter unnecessary barriers that hinder their academic progress. The data is telling; approximately *36% of ACC students transfer* to a four-year institution every year. However, a mere *25%* of those who wish to continue their education go through with it. This new initiative aims to change those statistics and redefine the experience of transfer students.

Meet the “Bats to Cats” Program

But that’s not all! ACC has partnered with TXST to roll out the *“Bats to Cats”* program. This means that students who are accepted into this program can enjoy the benefit of *guaranteed admission* into Texas State University! Talk about a stress buster! The program also plans to boost communication between the two institutions, making transfers smoother and more straightforward. Students can begin their ACC journey and transfer to TXST as early as summer 2025.

Exciting Incentives for Transfers

Building Community and Trust

Amidst rising skepticism about the cost of higher education, these initiatives reflect a commitment to not just *provide educational opportunities*, but also to foster a sense of community among students. Former ACC students are hopeful that this program will bond transfer students and encourage them in their quest for higher education.

A Shift in Funding for Community Colleges

There’s more to this story! The funding model for Texas community colleges is also undergoing a transformation, shifting to a **performance-based structure** that aims to improve student outcomes. This new model, which includes metrics such as credentials earned and transfer rates, has already increased state funding by *$210 million for the 2024 fiscal year*. The days of funding being determined by outdated metrics are finally coming to an end!

Great News for Rural and Urban Students Alike

Almost all community colleges across Texas have reported receiving this increased funding, which is fantastic news for students in both urban and rural areas. The integration of *new performance metrics* is set to level the playing field, ultimately benefiting students who have been adversely affected by the previous funding model.

What’s Next?

With ACC’s latest moves, the future looks brighter than ever for students dreaming of a bachelor’s degree. As they continue to create opportunities and remove barriers, it’s clear that Austin’s commitment to education is working hard to ensure success for all its students!

So, whether you’re just starting at ACC or considering transferring, it’s a thrilling time to be part of the Austin education community!

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Additional Resources

• KVUE News
• Wikipedia: Austin Community College
• KXAN News
• Google Search: Austin Community College
• University Star
• Google Scholar: Austin Community College Transfer Program
• Statesman News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas State University
• Inside Higher Ed
• Google News: Texas Community College Funding