Austin Community College is breaking new ground in an area that has the second largest number of students attending the college. ACC’s South Austin Campus is being built on the Northeast corner of Manchaca and Stassney Lane. The 86,000 square-foot facility is scheduled to open for classes by fall 2006.

“ACC’s enrollment is expected to grow by 10,000 students over the next decade,” said ACC Board Chair Rafael Quintanilla. “That is why we are thankful the community supported the need to expand higher education.”

Last May voters in ACC’s district approved two propositions, which asked for a four-cent tax increase and an additional penny to fund a $99 million dollar bond package.

With total enrollment at ACC reaching nearly 70,000 in 2002, the additional instructional space is imperative. Recent data reveals the 78745 zip code and the seven adjoining zip codes in South Austin account for 24 percent of ACC’s total credit headcount.

“ACC is the primary trainer and re-trainer of the local workforce, and the acquisition of new instructional space increases ACC’s ability to provide the programs and services needed by local residents and the business community,” said Interim President Dr. Stephen Kinslow.

ACC’s new South Austin Campus will be located directly across the street from Crockett High School. The proximity will provide many high school students the opportunity to explore college-level courses right in their own neighborhood, making the transition into higher education much easier.

The new campus will feature comprehensive programs in academic transfer and workforce education, as well as in student support services. The campus will also include a 3-story parking garage.

About ACC:
Austin Commmunity College offers affordable, quality education and training to Central Texas residents. Founded as an open-door institution in 1973 with only 1,793 students, Austin Commmunity College has grown into a diverse, six-campus institution that serves more than 30,000 students a semester. ACC offers associate degrees and certificates in more than 140 areas. The college also plays a vital role in training the local workforce. Healthcare and social services professionals such as police officers, fire fighters and nurses receive state-of-the-art training at the college. ACC continues to be the top transfer institution in the area.