St. Edward’s University, Austin ENLACE and Austin Community College announce the inauguration of the first full year of their Elementary School Mentor Program. The Elementary School Mentor Program partners ACC students with elementary students from Baty and Allison Elementary School In its first semester (spring 2001), the program has successfully placed 20 mentors in these schools.

Who: Austin Community College, St. Edward’s University and Austin

What: SEU/ENLACE/ACC Mentor Program Inauguration

When: 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, September 19

Where: Austin Community College Riverside Campus
Building G, Room 221

The ENLACE (Engaging Latino Communities for Education) program is part of a national initiative funded by the Kellogg Foundation; with 13 sites across the United States. The ENLACE initiative is designed to increase the number of Latino high school and college graduates by strengthening the K-16 educational pathway through increased supports at key transition points where youth can experience problems that lead to failure. Specifically, the Austin pipeline includes St. Edward’s University, Austin Community College, A.I.S.D (Allison Elementary, Martin Jr. High, Johnston High School) and Del Valle I.S.D. (Baty Elementary); as well as partnerships with Austin Interfaith, the Austin Latino Alliance, Dolores Catholic Church – all within the East Austin Montopolis community.

One of the specific goals of the national ENLACE initiative is to make systemic change throughout the pipeline; Austin ENLACE has already succeeded in reaching these goals by ensuring that the partnering entities will support and maintain the programs after the grant is over.

We hope that all can join us to celebrate this achievement and celebrate the mentors, mentees and their parents, for which this program works to engage.