Austin Community College is expanding its Transitions Program, a college preparation course for adults. This summer, classes will be offered both during the day and in the evening. Applications are due Friday, May 10.
Transitions helps high school graduates and GED earners develop and reinforce skills in reading, writing, and math, so they can successfully complete freshman-level college courses. The free program also includes career counseling and guides students through the ACC admissions and financial aid processes.
Deborah McLester signed up for the program because she was beginning to look for better employment opportunities following a divorce. She says Transitions was the first step she took in making a change.
“The program was a great way to start the process of getting back into education,” McLester says. “The instructors and staff were wonderful role models, and they really helped me figure out my goals.”
Funded through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Transitions program pays for Texas Higher Education Assessment exam fees and textbooks. Students who complete the program receive a $100 stipend; those who go on to complete an ACC credit course with a grade of C or better receive a $250 stipend and become eligible for a $1,000 ACC scholarship.
“There is a difference between being eligible for college and being ready for college,” says Charlene Gill, ACC Transitions coordinator. “Transitions gives students the confidence they need. The program has been so successful and students have responded so well that we’re growing our offerings this summer.”
The next 10-week Transitions courses begin May 28; classes will meet Monday through Thursday at Eastview Campus (3401 Webberville Rd.). Students can sign up for either the daytime class, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or the evening course, 5:45 to 9:30 p.m.
Students must be U.S. citizens and 18 or older, with a GED or high school diploma. Current and former developmental education students are encouraged to apply. Applicants must participate in a brief interview prior to enrolling and maintain a 75 percent attendance rate for the course.
To sign up, visit austincc.edu/transitions or contact Charlene Gill (223.5122 or [email protected]).
Back to Top
By Leandra Mcadoo April 27, 2013 - 4:47 pm
Hello, my name is Leandra McAdoo and I am extremely interested in the Transition course. Im going to be going over seas this July so unfortunately I wont be able to apply for the next course that starts May 28. I would like to know if there wil be a later course this summer for the Transition course again.
By Charlene Gill April 29, 2013 - 10:19 am
Hi, Leandra
There will only be one 10-week summer program, but there will be another opportunity to join this fall. These classes will begin in early September and complete in mid-November. If you would like to apply, e-mail us at [email protected] or visit our webpage, where you can fill out the application online:
http://www.austincc.edu/transitions/
By Cindy Bermudez April 30, 2013 - 8:00 pm
Hello there, we are very grateful to ACC for offering such a wonderful opportunity. Can you help me understand something? Is this program similar or the same as the developmental classes offered by ACC and how many nights a week is the program?
By Charlene Gill May 2, 2013 - 12:52 pm
Hi, Cindy
The Transitions Program is similar to developmental classes in that it helps students gain college-level skills so they can take credit classes. However, Transitions classes are highly intensive. They meet four days per week (M–Th) for 10 weeks and require students to take all three subjects of reading, writing, and math. Students in the program must dedicate approximately 20 hours per week to their studies.
If you would like more information or have further questions, feel free to e-mail us at [email protected].