Austin Community College is announcing two significant opportunities for veterans: tuition waivers for certain information technology courses, and a new, expanded Veterans Resource Center at Highland Campus. See below for information on these initiatives and details about a veterans resource fair coming Thursday, September 25.

Free IT classes to qualified veterans

ACC will provide tuition waivers for up to 460 qualified veterans thanks to a $1.1 million Texas Workforce Commission grant. The waivers can be used for Continuing Education courses in 14 IT-related programs in four areas: computer-user support, network administration, information security, and mobile application development. Program participants can earn a certification and receive job placement assistance. View the Veterans Training Program flier (pdf) for an overview of the four areas.

The Austin Chamber of Commerce reports that almost half of the top 10 posted positions in Austin this summer were in the IT field – jobs that offered an annual salary of up to $95,240.

Veterans can learn more about the free training at information sessions Friday, October 3, at the chamber offices (535 E. Fifth St.). The first session is 4 p.m.; the second session begins at 5:30 p.m. Â RSVP on the Austin Chamber of Commerce website.

Veterans Resource Center at Highland Campus

ACC also will open a Veterans Resource Center at the Highland Campus, providing veterans a one-stop location for college information and support. The 4,000-square-foot center will provide VA services, financial aid assistance, counseling, tutoring, and more. An open house is planned for October 15.

“We owe our servicemen and women a debt of gratitude,” says ACC President/CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes. “We want to provide veterans a pathway to achieve their dreams. Through the Veterans Resource Center, we can build upon the programs we already offer our 2,200 student veterans.”

Veterans Celebration and Resource Fair Sept. 25

ACC will host its Fall 2014 Veterans Celebration and Resource Fair 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, September 25, in the courtyard of Eastview Campus (3401 Webberville Rd.).

College and community representatives will showcase their programs and services. Refreshments, music, and door prizes also will be available; a free lunch will be served to those who register online.

For information about the fair, contact BethAnn Warwick at (512) 223.0065.