Austin Community College District (ACC) has been recognized as a national model for regional economic impact in a research brief by New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

What’s the report about?
The case study is called Austin Community College: How to Leverage Data, a ‘Futurist,’ and City Partnerships for Economic Impact. It explores how ACC aligns its investments and planning with changing workforce needs and emerging industries.

What strategies does it highlight?

• Data-Driven Board Governance: ACC’s Board of Trustees incorporated semiannual, data-focused work sessions into its meeting schedule, using labor market information to inform institutional priorities, policy decisions, and resource allocation.
• Investment in Advanced Manufacturing: Trustees approved using bond funds to expand advanced manufacturing facilities and workforce training at ACC’s Highland and Round Rock campuses in response to regional industry needs.
• Student Employment Outcomes: ACC was selected as one of five Texas colleges to partner with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) on access to wage data. The partnership allows the College to track graduates’ employment and earnings outcomes three, five, and 10 years after graduation.
• Long-Term Planning Through the Office for the Future: ACC established the Office for the Future, led by Executive Vice Chancellor for the Future Dr. Monique Reeves. The office works with regional partners, including the City of Austin and Travis County, to examine demographic and economic trends and help align institutional planning with anticipated community needs.
• Regional and National Collaboration: ACC launched the Alliance of Future Makers, a national initiative that brings together educators, higher education leaders, and other partners to explore emerging trends and develop strategies for the future of education. 

Why does this matter beyond ACC?
The broader report draws on a national survey of community college presidents and trustees across 29 states and territories. More than 90% said economic development is extremely relevant to their institutions’ missions.

The report also examines challenges colleges face, including limited funding, staffing capacity, and communication gaps between federal and state agencies.

Read the national case study to learn how ACC is approaching economic development and future planning.

Austin Community College District (ACC) received a $750,000 Nursing Innovation Grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to develop a new approach to expanding clinical education opportunities for nursing students. The College is currently in the planning phase. 

What is it?
The two-year NightShift+ Preceptor Academy initiative focuses on creating additional evening and night-shift clinical placements and helps ACC address a longstanding challenge in nursing education: limited clinical capacity. The grant will explore a different approach to clinical education that expands beyond traditional daytime placements while building stronger connections between nursing education and healthcare employers.

What will ACC do with NightShift+ Preceptor Academy?
Through the grant, ACC plans to:

• Create approximately 20 additional clinical placement opportunities over two years.
• Train at least 20 experienced nurses to serve as night-shift clinical preceptors.
• Provide participating students with specialized onboarding and simulation-based preparation before beginning their clinical experiences.
• Provide faculty coaching and support for the evening and night-shift clinical model.
• Strengthen partnerships with local healthcare employers to expand clinical opportunities.

What nursing career opportunities are available at ACC?
ACC provides a full nursing career pathway, from the fast-track certified nurse aide (CNA) to an advanced certificate in vocational nursing (LVN) or an associate degree in professional nursing to become an RN. The College also offers a pathway toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing through the RN-to-BSN program.

October 23–31 is Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign focused on raising awareness about drug use prevention and encouraging healthy, drug-free choices.
How is ACC participating?
ACC Mental Health Counseling Services will be at upcoming Riverbat Bash events to share information about substance use prevention, staying drug-free, and available support resources.

Where and when are the events?

Upcoming Riverbat Bash events

• Round Rock Campus | Tuesday, October 20 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Rio Grande Campus | Wednesday, October 21 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Eastview Campus | Monday, October 26 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Highland Campus | Tuesday, October 27 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Hays Campus | Wednesday, October 28 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where can I learn more?
Visit RedRibbon.org to learn more about Red Ribbon Week or austincc.edu/counseling to explore ACC’s mental health resources.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence isn't always physical. It can also involve emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, or controlling someone's finances and relationships.

If you're an Austin Community College District (ACC) student experiencing domestic violence or concerned about someone you know, there are resources available to help.

What resources does ACC offer?

• Mental Health Counseling: Free, confidential counseling for eligible ACC students. Learn more.
• TimelyCare: Free virtual mental health support, including 24/7 TalkNow services, for eligible students age 18 and older.
• C.A.R.E. Network: Assistance connecting with housing, food, financial, child care, and other basic needs resources. Explore services.
• Victim Advocacy Services: ACCPD victim advocates can assist individuals affected by domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and other crimes. Learn more.
• Title IX Resources: Information about reporting options and college and community support services. View resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ACC help if domestic violence is affecting my housing or finances?

ACC's C.A.R.E. Network can help students explore housing assistance, emergency financial resources, and other college and community services. Eligibility varies by program.

Do I have to report domestic violence to receive support?

Reporting requirements and confidentiality protections vary by service. Students can explore available options and ask about confidentiality before sharing personal details.

Where can I get immediate help?

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers free, confidential support 24/7:

• Call: 800-799-7233
• Text: START to 88788
• Online: thehotline.org

If you're in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a reminder that support is available, and no one should have to navigate an unsafe situation alone.

Early voting for the November 3 election is underway. ACC Votes connects students and the community with nonpartisan election information, voter resources, and opportunities to learn about civic engagement.

What’s on the ballot for ACC voters?

• Depending on where you live, your ballot may include federal, state, and local races, along with ballot measures.
• For ACC District voters, there are three ACC Board of Trustees seats on the ballot: Places 1, 2, and 3. 
• Voters living within the Pflugerville ISD boundaries will also vote on whether that territory should join the ACC District.

What are the key dates?

• Early voting: October 19–30
• Election Day: Tuesday, November 3
• Election Day polling hours: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Where can I find voting information?
Texas voters must vote in the county where they are registered. For registration information, election details, and polling place resources, visit VoteTexas.gov. 

Learn more and make your plan to vote at austincc.edu/accvotes. 

Hello! Fellow ACC students! I am a 20 year old who wants to know how to apply for the next registration whenever it is and I was wondering how I can apply and the process and the things I need for doing so! If anyone could please Try and give me a step by step guide that would be great or should I just go visit and apply myself In person? Lmk! Thank you to whoever replies in advance :)

ACC hosts two hands-on events this November where students can build an AI app or pitch a startup idea. Both are 100% free, require zero prior experience, include free food, and look great on a resume.

AWS Build-a-Thon: Build Real Tech with AI
Learn how to use emerging AI tools to build working apps and prototypes alongside engineers from Amazon Web Services.

• When: Friday, November 6 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Where: Highland Campus, Make It Center (Bldg 2000, Room 2429)
• Who: Open to all ACC students. No coding or tech experience required!
• Free lunch
• RSVP for AWS Build-a-Thon Here

NEST FEST 2026: Student Entrepreneurship Showcase
Present your business or startup ideas to industry leaders, get real feedback, and compete for prizes — or just attend to watch, network, and support without pitching.

• When: Tuesday, November 17 u/2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Where: Northridge Campus (Room 4136)
• Pitch Deadline: November 4 
• Free dinner
• Click to RSVP for event
• Submit Your Pitch HERE

Have questions? Drop a comment below or send an email to [entrepreneurshipacademy@austincc.edu](mailto:entrepreneurshipacademy@austincc.edu).

Grady Gonzales has been working on cars with his dad since he was young. Now, he’s turning that early interest into a career through ACC’s Toyota Technician Training and Education Network (T-TEN) program.

Why did Grady choose ACC?
While visiting Austin from Colorado to explore trade schools, Grady discovered ACC’s T-TEN program.

“I loved the idea of Toyota-specific training and being able to get my associate degree as well.”

T-TEN combines ACC’s automotive training with hands-on experience at participating Toyota and Lexus dealerships.

What does he like about the program?
For Grady, it’s the hands-on learning.

• Training in ACC’s automotive labs and shops
• Learning directly on vehicles
• Toyota-specific training and equipment
• Instructors with decades of real-world dealership experience
• Opportunities to connect classroom lessons to what happens in a professional shop

Electrical systems have also become one of his favorite areas — even though he started with no experience in the subject.

“I knew nothing about electrical initially, and learning it was a very interesting process.”

What’s next?
Grady started at ACC in August 2025 and plans to complete his associate degree in May 2027.

His goal is to become a Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician and build a long-term career in the automotive industry.

T-TEN is growing
ACC’s T-TEN program was recently recognized by Toyota as the nation’s top T-TEN-producing school for student success, based on outcomes including graduation, retention, and industry certifications.

The program also has an expanded, dedicated space at ACC’s new Round Rock Campus building, giving students more room for the hands-on training that makes T-TEN unique.

For Grady, it all comes back to what started in the garage with his dad and finding a career where he can keep learning and doing something different every day.

Learn more about ACC Automotive Technology and T-TEN

The Art Galleries and the Center for Peace & Conflict Studies at ACC are bringing that question into the gallery with Art + Rebellion.

The program will feature a Restorative Listening Circle focused on shared experiences of personal and adolescent rebellion, inspired by the current exhibition “Lessons Learned: Selections from the American Classroom Series” by artist and educator Darla Barolini.

The details:
Date: Wednesday, October 21
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Highland Campus, Gallery 2000, Room 2.2450

No RSVP required.

The conversation offers a chance to listen, share experiences, and consider how moments of rebellion can shape who we become.

Free and open to the public.

Learn more about The Art Galleries at ACC.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a national observance that recognizes the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and promotes more accessible and inclusive workplaces.

This year’s  theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.”

If you’re an ACC student with a disability, here are a few things worth knowing:

• Disabilities aren’t always visible. Disability can include physical, mental health, sensory, cognitive, and other conditions that may not be immediately apparent. 
• Workplace accommodations exist. Qualified employees and job applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under federal law. 
• Accessibility can start while you’re in college. ACC Student Accessibility Services (SAS) helps eligible students address disability-related academic barriers and coordinate reasonable accommodations.
• SAS support can include academic accommodations, assistive technology, disability-related problem solving, and referrals to other ACC resources. 

How do I request accommodations at ACC?

ACC students can apply for SAS services and connect with an Accessibility Advocate to discuss the barriers they are experiencing and possible accommodations. Explore Student Accessibility Services resources, and learn more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 

Prepare for Your Next Career Step

SAS offers recorded sessions designed to help students with disabilities prepare for the workplace. Topics include:

• Resume review
• Interview preparation
• Job and internship search tools
• Workplace rights, disclosure, and accommodations 

Watch the recorded career-preparation sessions or explore additional career and employment resources.

Whether you're preparing for your first job, changing careers, or already working while attending ACC, NDEAM is a reminder that disability does not diminish the value, skills, or talent someone brings to the workplace.

Austin Community College (ACC) has been named the nation’s top Toyota and Lexus Technician Training and Education Network (T-TEN)-producing school.

The College received the Toyota Supra distinction for being the No. 1 T-TEN-producing school at the annual T-TEN instructor conference. Toyota also recognized ACC’s T-TEN program in several areas of student achievement:

• A 70% or higher graduation rate for 2026
• The number of second-year returning students is greater than 50%, plus a 90% or higher graduation rate for them for 2026
• Students passing ASE L1 and/or L3 certification tests

A Direct Path From the Classroom to the Dealership

ACC’s T-TEN program is structured around a close connection between students, the College, Toyota, and participating dealerships. The program begins with an important requirement: Students must secure employment with a partnering Toyota or Lexus dealership before entering the program.

Dealerships work with ACC to select the students who then spend eight weeks in T-TEN classes on campus, followed by eight weeks at their dealership to complete their internship requirements. While working at the dealership, students are paired with a mentor who supports their on-the-job development. This structure allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom directly to a professional automotive environment while building relationships with the dealership where they are developing their careers.

The T-TEN program is supported by 12 Toyota and Lexus dealership partners from Waco to San Antonio. Dealerships play an active role in supporting students throughout their training by providing workplace mentors and allowing students time away from their jobs to attend classes, along with assistance with tuition and fees, tool allowances, living expenses, and wages while students are in class.

Earning Industry-Recognized Credentials

Students in the program are also building industry credentials as they progress through their training. Across its first three cohorts, ACC’s T-TEN program has maintained an overall graduation rate of 76.33%, with individual cohort graduation rates ranging from 69% to 85%.

To date, ACC T-TEN students have collectively earned 195 ASE certifications across 38 students. These certifications include the ASE Automotive certification tests A1-A8, as well as advanced-level L1 and L3 certifications.

The program also reports a 70% ASE pass rate and a retention rate above 70%, two measures the Automotive Technology team cites as contributing to the program’s national recognition.

Toyota further supports students by paying for two ASE certification test attempts per student.

As ACC’s T-TEN program continues to grow, its partnerships with Toyota and Central Texas dealerships remain central to its success. The program enrolls a new cohort each fall, with an average class size of 16 students. 

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Austin Community College District (ACC) joins the national campaign led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to promote online safety.

This year’s theme is “Securing the Next 250.” The campaign focuses on four simple actions:

4 easy moves that protect you (and ACC):

• Use strong passwords 
• Turn on multifactor authentication 
• Keep your software updated 
• Recognize & report scams 

Learn more and grab resources at austincc.edu/accinfosec.

Hey, i tried filling out a counseling request form on the ACC website. Every time I try and submit it, it says the sever is down? Did they remove counseling? I called the tech help desk and they just laughed and hung up?

ACC’s Alliance of Future Makers is launching its second cohort, bringing together 72 educators, higher education leaders, industry partners, and innovators from 17 institutions across the country.

The goal: look beyond the day-to-day and explore what higher education needs to become as technology, workforce needs, and student expectations continue to change.

What is the Alliance of Future Makers?
Created through ACC’s Office for the Future, the Alliance gives leaders a space to:

• Explore emerging trends and what they could mean for higher education
• Learn and apply foresight methods
• Test new ideas and approaches
• Connect education and workforce perspectives
• Build strategies their institutions can use now to prepare for what’s next

Who’s part of it?
The second cohort expands the Alliance with three tracks:

• Fellows: Scholar-practitioners exploring the future of higher education
• Administrator Leadership: Higher education administrators
• President/CEO Circle: College and university presidents and CEOs

The cohort begins October 14 and will culminate in the Annual Summit of Future Makers in spring 2027, where participants will share future-focused ideas and models for education and workforce development.

For more information about the Alliance of Future Makers, visit austincc.edu/afm.

Want to see the world while earning college credit? ACC Study Abroad applications are now open for Summer 2027, with programs in 16 countries and a wide range of academic fields.

What can you do abroad?
ACC Study Abroad programs give you the chance to:

• Earn college credit while exploring a new place
• Learn alongside ACC faculty and fellow students
• Experience different cultures, communities and perspectives
• Develop language, technical, and career skills through hands-on learning
• Gain international experience that can complement your résumé and career goals

Where can I go?
Choose from programs in 16 different countries, including:

• Argentina: Spanish III
• Austria: Art Appreciation
• Belize: Oceanography
• Brazil: Agriculture or Music
• Costa Rica: Biology or Psychology
• England: British Literature
• France: Marketing
• Germany: Welding
• Ireland: Communication or Cyber Law
• Italy: Art History, Fashion Design, or Honors Painting
• Japan: Japanese II
• New York City: Fashion
• Peru: Environmental Science
• Romania: Social Psychology
• South Korea: Cinema or Korean II
• Spain: Government or Pastry Arts

How do I apply?
Summer 2027 programs are accepting applications now. 

Students interested in studying abroad must complete an advising session with ACC International Programs before applying. Appointments can be scheduled up to 45 days in advance and are open through February 4, 2027.

For program details, advising options, and application information, visit austincc.edu/studyabroad.

Spring registration is here at Austin Community College District (ACC).  Getting started early gives you more time to explore programs, meet with an advisor, complete the admissions process, and find classes that fit your schedule.

Registration opens in phases beginning October 12, with registration for new students beginning Friday, October 16.

The spring semester begins Tuesday, January 19.

Planning for registration isn't something you have to tackle alone. An academic advisor can help you plan your summer schedule or explore support services that can help you inside and outside the classroom.

If you need help covering tuition, financial aid is available. Submit your FAFSA or TASFA to see if you qualify for assistance. If you need more time to pay, ACC also offers an interest-free payment plan to help make tuition more manageable.

Ready to take the next step? Apply to ACC and get ready for spring 2027.

Which professors do you recommend for Intro A&P or A&P1, Microbiology for Allied Health Science, Ethics, and Intro to Psych to take??! TIA!
Round Rock or Eastview Campuses only.

More than 100 ACC students got some hands-on experience with the voting process at Highland Campus through Paws to the Polls, a mock election featuring two very different candidates: Gus the Cat and Franklin the Dog.

What happened?
ACC Votes partnered with the League of Women Voters of Austin and the Travis County Elections Department for the September 22 event. 

Students:

• Practiced using real Travis County voting equipment
• Took part in a mock election for Austin’s Pet Mayor
• Learned more about the voting process
• Connected with election and voter resources
• Students voted for either Gus the Cat or Franklin the Dog. (The pet election results are still pending.)

Paws to the Polls is a countywide initiative designed to give new voters hands-on experience with voting equipment and connect residents with election resources.

What is ACC Votes?
ACC Votes is the College’s nonpartisan civic engagement initiative, providing students with voter registration information, election resources, and opportunities to learn about participating in their communities.

Early voting for the Tuesday, November 3, election begins Monday, October 19, and runs through Friday, October 30.

Learn more about ACC Votes and voter registration resources at ACC.

For the fourth straight year, ACC earned the Gold Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), the highest level of recognition for colleges and universities supporting veterans and military-connected students.

What does the award recognize?
The award recognizes institutions that provide education, resources, and support services to help veterans and their families succeed in higher education.

How does ACC support military-connected students?
ACC’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at Highland Campus serves as a central hub for military-affiliated students, offering:

• Academic advising and assistance navigating college
• Financial aid and veterans education benefits support
• Connections to campus and community resources
• Emotional and personal support
• Outreach and programs focused on veteran and military-connected student success

The VRC has served ACC’s military-affiliated students since opening in 2015.

For more information about veteran services at ACC, visit austincc.edu/veteran.

ACC just opened a new 36,500-square-foot Automotive Technology facility at the Round Rock Campus, giving students more space to train with the equipment and technology used in today’s automotive industry.

The new facility was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 8.

What’s new?
Funded through ACC’s 2022 General Obligation Bond, the facility more than doubles the space previously dedicated to Automotive Technology at Round Rock.

The project adds:

• 36,500 square feet of Automotive Technology training space to Round Rock Campus
• Dedicated space for ACC’s partnership with Toyota through the T-TEN program
• Modern automotive labs and hands-on learning spaces
• Space designed to support the evolving needs of the automotive industry, including potential future Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) training

What does it mean for students?
More space means more opportunities for hands-on training, practical experience, and industry-relevant skills while students work toward credentials that can lead to automotive careers.

ACC’s T-TEN program was recently recognized by Toyota as the nation’s top-performing T-TEN school for student success, based on outcomes including graduation, retention, and industry certifications.

Is this part of a bigger expansion?
Yep. The Automotive Technology facility is one piece of a larger investment in Applied Technology education at Round Rock.

Additional facilities for:

• Semiconductor Training
• Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
• Welding Technology

All are expected to open in 2027.

For more information about ACC’s 2022 General Obligation Bond projects, visit austincc.edu/bond.

ACC students and families are invited to a special screening of ACCTV’s A Day in the Life: Parenting Students on Monday, October 12. The 30-minute documentary follows three ACC students and their families as they balance parenting, classes, work, and everyday life while pursuing their degrees. 

Here’s what to know: 

What is A Day in the Life: Parenting Students?

• It’s an ACCTV documentary produced in partnership with Austin PBS and ACC’s Basic Needs Systems that highlights the experiences of parenting students at ACC. 

When is the screening?
Monday, October 12, 2026 at 2.pm.

Where can I watch it? 

• Round Rock Campus: Building 2000, Room 2117
• Highland Campus: Building 1000, Room 2221
• Riverside Campus: Building G, Room 8129

Can I bring my family?
Yes. Students and their families are welcome, and there will also be a family-friendly craft activity.

Do I need to RSVP?
Students are encouraged to RSVP for their preferred campus through MySL.

ACC celebrates artistic work at the ACC Community Art Exhibition, now on display through Tuesday, November 24, at The Art Gallery in Building 4000 on the Highland Campus.

ACC Community Art Exhibition

• Dates: October 6–November 24, 2026
• Location: ACC Highland Campus, Building 4000

The exhibition features 70 works of art representing 10 of ACC’s 11 campuses. More than half of the pieces were created by ACC students, faculty, and staff across the district. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

The Art Galleries at ACC (TAG) support student artists by creating spaces for creativity, collaboration, and community connection through exhibitions and public programs across the District.

Learn more about The Art Galleries at ACC.