Dr. Armenta oversees the Café con Leche gatherings held this summer.

This summer, Austin Community College is hosting Café con Leche, informal get-togethers in churches, schools, and community centers that give prospective students and their families an opportunity to meet with college staff. Participants can ask questions and learn how to get the college degree they need for the career they want.

Dr. Richard Armenta, associate vice president of student success, is the person behind Café con Leche. Dr. Armenta recently answered questions about the events.

What is Café con Leche?

Café con Leche is an innovative outreach program that opens the door to college for underserved and underrepresented families in the community. The program allows dedicated staff at ACC to engage in an open dialogue with parents and students about the importance and possibility of pursuing higher education. It allows parents and students to obtain support and information that will help them realize their dreams of a better future.

What do we want to accomplish with Café con Leche?

Higher education is the key to a better future for our community, and through Café con Leche, ACC strives to help families navigate that path. First and foremost, we want families to know we are here to help. For many people, the idea of higher education carries fear, uncertainty, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We would like to help parents and students identify and overcome obstacles by providing access to resources, information, and support. Furthermore, we strive to build community among the participants while fostering the development of a college-going culture.

What happens at the events?

Students and parents are welcomed by ACC staff, and then they sit at tables and meet each other. Participants are given a set of questions to answer about their hopes and aspirations. These questions open up parent-to-parent, student-to-parent, and student-to-student dialogue with college staff. The sessions result in rich  discussions. Parents want the best for their children; we provide them the opportunity to describe what that means and how we, the college, can help. When students make a decision to go to college, with the support of their parents, the result is a stronger commitment to attend and succeed.

Who will be at each event?

ACC provides a counselor who leads the entire process, with financial aid, admissions, recruitment, and other support staff. We’re prepared to answer any question that comes up.

What questions do participants usually have?

At first, participants often have no questions, not knowing exactly what to ask. After we discuss parents’ dreams and hopes for their child, as well as what students want for their own futures, all kinds of meaningful questions arise – for example, what is a typical day like for a college student?; or, if I missed the financial aid deadline, can I still afford to go?

How does Café con Leche help people get answers?

ACC staff members answer questions directly during each Café event. We also provide our contact information so we can answer fellow-up questions.

Do participants need to bring anything?

Parents need to bring their graduating high school senior or junior with them. ACC provides the rest: information, pamphlets, and answers to their individual questions.

How can I participate in Café con Leche?

To view a schedule and reserve a spot, call ACC at (512) 223.7958 or visit the ACC Student Recruitment Office website.