The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board honored the Austin Community College District with a Star Award for its College Connection program Monday at an awards ceremony in Austin.

The Star Award recognizes exemplary programs which significantly address Texas’ Closing the Gaps initiative to increase enrollment in higher education, and especially to increase the transition of high school graduates into higher education. ACC’s College Connection was one of 52 programs nominated. Five winners were selected.

“Community colleges are the State’s best resource for closing the gaps, and are vital to the goal of ensuring a qualified workforce,” says Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC president/CEO. “We are honored that the State has recognized the success of our program, which has also been replicated at several other community colleges.”

Now in its fourth year, College Connection has increased minority enrollment at ACC and other higher education institutions by delivering admission and enrollment services at their schools.

“Delivering enrollment services directly to students removes many barriers which otherwise prevent many students from pursuing higher education,” Kinslow says.

Other Star Award winners were programs from the University of Texas at El Paso, the Tarrant County College District, Stephen F. Austin State University, and Yes College Preparatory School.