State of ACC
Austin Community College District is a catalyst for opportunity, innovation, and economic growth in Central Texas. The State of ACC explores how the College is addressing the region’s most pressing challenges — closing workforce gaps, expanding access to higher education, and strengthening student success.
A Message from Russell
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the first State of the College Report for Austin Community College. It’s our update to the community, and it comes at an extraordinary time for the College — one of transformation powered by LOVE and a deep commitment to providing all Central Texans with access to the education and jobs that allow them to thrive.
With more than 74,000 students enrolled each year, ACC is among the largest colleges and universities in the nation. We are located in one of the most vibrant and resourceful communities in the world, but we face challenges. Our students face challenges.
Greater Austin is an expensive place to live. For many of our students, college is not affordable, and balancing life issues like child care, housing insecurity, and mental health is much more complex. Yet, we have exciting, dynamic industries with high-paying jobs waiting to be filled in manufacturing, healthcare, Big Tech, and so many more.
We believe ACC can be the glue that ties resources, education, and possibilities together.
My hope is this report will provide a glimpse at the work that is underway. We have new values, an ambitious North Star goal, and a theory of change to help us break down barriers and love our students to success. Supported by our Board of Trustees, we launched the ACC Free Tuition Pilot Program to eliminate the cost of tuition and general fees for area high school graduates and increase college participation rates. Early numbers indicate — it’s working!
As I reflect on 2024, it’s been a year of deep discovery, connections, and incredible pride. I am extremely grateful to our partners, our students, and my colleagues. There is no doubt together we will ensure the best is yet to come.
Much love,
russell
Our North Star
70% Completion by 2030
ACC will increase the student completion rate from 46% to 70% by 2030. It’s an ambitious goal to improve the lives of individuals and close workforce gaps in our community — and to do it at scale.
We will reach this goal in collaboration with our community to create a stronger, more supportive college. One where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
ACC is For Everyone!
Meet "Ashley"
More than a persona, “Ashley” represents the typical ACC student. She is 26 years old, a woman of color who attends college part-time, and works while caring for her family. ACC is designing a college to help Ashley and all students succeed.
Our Students
How We Get There
Theory of Change
ACC set a bold course to ensure Ashley reaches the North Star Goal. We developed a comprehensive Theory of Change — a transformative plan to redesign the College with a focus on reducing pressing barriers to students’ academic and personal success.
Start Strong
We will help students start strong by putting them on a clear plan with intensive proactive support.
Enroll Full-Time
We will help ACC students enroll full-time to finish faster, save money, and gain access to more financial aid.
Meet Basic Needs
We will reduce barriers for our low-income students who face significant challenges that hinder learning.
Find Belonging & Culture
We will create a culture that ensures all students (and employees) feel a sense of community at ACC.
Why It Matters
More than 74,000 students choose ACC each year. We believe they deserve affordable access to a college education and workforce training that can put them on a path of upward mobility and lead to a highly skilled workforce for a strong economy.
Meet Yessica Marroquin
Yessica Marroquin immigrated to the United States from El Salvador at 16 years old. She went straight into work to support herself, but after having her first daughter — Yessica was determined to make a better life for her family. She enrolled at ACC, started with courses to earn her GED®, continued with ESOL classes, and persisted to earn an associate degree in Paralegal Studies. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was recognized with the Chancellor’s Student Achievement Award.