On January 30, The Community College Futures Assembly presented the Austin Community College District with the Bellwether Award for its College Connection program.
The Bellwether Award annually recognizes innovative programs and practices that successfully lead community colleges into the future. ACC won in the Planning, Governance, and Finance category, which recognizes programs or activities that improve efficiency and effectiveness.
College Connection offers support to high school seniors by assisting them with the college admissions process. Each participating student receives an acceptance letter to ACC at his or her graduation. During the first two years of the program, which began in 2003, college-going rates increased 38 percent at ACC District and 9.8 percent in overall Texas higher education.
Dr. Mary Hensley accepted the award on behalf of the college at a ceremony in Orlando, Fla.