With the fall semester moving forward rapidly, students can run into financial roadblocks that affect their academic success. Austin Community College (ACC) has several ways to support students.
Additional funding and a new streamlined emergency fund application
ACC received a $30,000 grant to help students pay for emergency expenses. The grant, awarded by Trellis Company in collaboration with Federal Student Aid, has helped 46 ACC students over the past year cover expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation.
To help make the process easier, ACC has launched an improved application for students to apply for financial help during those times of unexpected life emergencies. The Student Emergency Fund is completely online and can help with the cost of emergency dental care, childcare, car repairs and other transportation costs, income loss, and family emergencies.
Students can access emergency funds once per year for an unforeseen emergency. As part of the program, they can receive confidential and free financial coaching. Faculty can help by letting students know about the Student Emergency Fund. For more information, students may visit austincc.edu/sef or contact the Student Emergency Fund office at 512-223-7551 or [email protected].
A completely free Green Pass for employees and students
Faculty, staff, and students now have free access to unlimited rides on Capital Metro’s rail and bus system with an ACC Green Pass. ACC faculty, staff, and students can register online and then visit any campus cashier to obtain their Green Pass each semester. Riders must be prepared to show both their ACC ID and Green Pass while on Capital Metro’s services.
Expanded childcare services to support students
Trustees approved a plan that allows ACC to partner with the YMCA of Austin to pilot a childcare program at the ACC Highland Campus. This program is expected to be in operation beginning January. ACC students will pay a flat $8 fee for up to two hours of drop-in childcare for children ages 2 to 12. The program is expected to serve up to 35 children at a time.
The childcare plan also includes an additional $200,000 to expand childcare assistance programs. Currently, the Eastview Campus has the Children’s Lab School, which offers evening childcare for ACC students. Tuition is $10 per evening per family with sliding scale rates of $5 and $1 a night per family and scholarships available for qualifying families.
Tags: Capital Metro, child care, green pass, public transportation, student emergency fund, student support, Trellis
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