SAN MARCOS C.I.S.D. AND ACC OPEN HIGHER ED DOORS

Austin Community College and San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District want more high school graduates to go to college. That is why SMCISD and ACC have partnered for a College Day event in San Marcos.

On Tuesday, February 10, 2004, SMCISD, ACC and supporting organizations Texas State University and ENLACE will host a press conference to discuss this extraordinary partnership. The press conference is at 1:30 in the San Marcos High School Cafeteria. Following the press conference students will be going through the career planning process at ACC College Day. Video and photo ops are welcomed.

ACC staff from the Financial Aid Office, Student Services, Information Technology and the Student Recruitment Office will answer student’s questions about academic and workforce programs and student support services at the College.

“Our hope and intent is to have every San Marcos School District senior enrolled in the College through this wholly unique and first-of-its kind partnership between a post-secondary institution and a school district,” said Mary Hensley, ACC associate vice president of instructional support services. “Over the next several months, interested students will have gone through college orientation, financial aid, advising, assessment and even registration if they choose.”

Both ACC and SMCISD educators hope by exposing these students to local college programs and processes, doors would be opened and expectations raised that a college education is within their reach.

“This is an immensely powerful collaborative. Every opportunity is being afforded our students to facilitate “college” enrollment and help every San Marcos High School senior realize that a college education is attainable,” said Sylvia Garza, SMCISD Assistant Superintendent. “This partnership is empowering students to realize their goals and dreams for building a future.”

Texas State University is generously providing classroom space for testing and transportation to and from the testing sites. “Texas State is honored to be even a small part of this historical initiative,” said Robert Gratz, vice president for academic affairs at the San Marcos university. “ACC is proving to these students that they can go to college, that college is within their means. It will have valuable
repercussions for the regional economy as well as for the future of
individual students. We hope it sets a precedent for other high schools.”

This initiative is also strongly supported by ENLACE, an initiative who’s focus is that community-based partnerships are the foundation upon which our youth’s lifelong learning and achievement are built.

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