ACC Recruiting/Advising Specialist Candice Jackson gives a presentation at Lanier High School.

College Connection is growing, and not just here in Austin. Other community colleges throughout Texas want in as well.

Eight community colleges have started implementing the program, which
pairs high school seniors with community college representatives who take them through the enrollment process. The student is offered assistance with the college application, financial aid, and advising at no cost.

College Connection was founded in the spring of 2004 by Austin Community College’s Dr. Mary Hensley, vice president of college support systems and ISD relations.

“The program just exploded with interest and participation in just a matter of months,” says Hensley. Originally called “The San Marcos Initiative,” College Connection grew from one school district to 27, with 58 high schools and more than 17,000 seniors participating in the 2007-08 school year.

College Connection was founded in spring 2004 and was originally called “The San Marcos Initiative.”

“The program just exploded with interest and participation in just a matter of months,” says Austin Community College’s Mary Hensley, vice president of college support systems and ISD relations.  College Connection grew from one school district to 27, with 58 high schools and more than 17,000 seniors participating in the 2007-08 school year.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has taken notice and is using the program as a statewide model.

“Everybody here has been so impressed with the work that ACC has done and the effort that has taken place, not only to have College Connection with ACC’s high schools but in ACC sharing that plan with other community colleges in the state,” says Glenda Barron, THECB associate commissioner for participation and success.

THECB is awarding two-year, $100,000 grants to community colleges wishing to begin College Connection. So many schools expressed interest that the THECB also awarded planning grants in the amount of $5,000.

Word apparently travels fast. Stories on College Connection have appeared in such large newspapers as the Washington Post and the Seattle Times. Out-of-state community colleges from as far away as Hawaii and California are also interested in implementing the program.

Locally, seniors at Lanier High School attended a presentation last month given by Recruiting/Advising Specialist Candice Jackson. She introduced the program by showing an informational video and letting students know she was there to help.

Gudelia Ugarte, left, and Eli Mondragon.

Two of those students, Gudelia Ugarte and Eli Mondragon, didn’t know College Connection existed before Jackson’s presentation.

“It’s a good opportunity for students,” says 19-year-old Ugarte, who plans to attend ACC after graduation.

Mondragon agrees. He also plans to attend ACC and hopes to study massage therapy.

Hensley is thrilled with the attention College Connection has received.

“I think it’s a testament to our Board of Trustees, our president, our faculty, and our staff that they embrace new initiatives,” says Hensley. “I think all of us are proud that together we are working toward the state strategic plan of Closing the Gaps.”