Austin Community College (ACC) celebrates its largest Early College High School (ECHS) class and other seniors who are graduating with college credits and committing to enrolling at ACC with the second annual President’s Reception, 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center (1500 Barbara Jordan Rd.).

“You keep hearing stories about college is not for everyone. The message we want to get across is that ACC is for everyone. You need a post-secondary credential in the workforce, and ACC is changing the way students and their families think about their future,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “It’s increasingly important that we create more pathways for success. With our ISD partners, we’re ensuring more students leave high school better prepared for either entering the workforce or continuing on to earn a bachelor degree.”

The reception honors ACC’s ECHS, dual-credit, and Career Academy graduates and celebrates graduating seniors who pledge to enroll at the college in fall.

• Dual-Credit Graduates: 1,679 students graduating with 12+ dual credit hours

• Career Academy Graduates: 25 students graduating with a Level I Certificate

• ECHS Graduates: 205 students graduating with an Associate Degree

• Incoming ACC Freshmen: 1,386 students pledge to enroll at ACC for fall 2019

ACC’s high school programs are available at little to no charge for all area high school students.

“I come from an impoverished background. I enrolled at ACC to get a headstart and have the best opportunity to get into college,” says Alyssa Ramirez, Elgin Early High School student. “People here want to help you. People want you to succeed. They are trying to make sure that you have the best chances.”

The event also includes a college showcase with faculty and staff sharing information about registering for classes, student support services, and resources available to help pay for college.

For more information about ACC’s high school programs, visit austincc.edu/highschool.