College recognized for its efforts to better serve Latino students, the fastest growing student demographic

Austin Community College (ACC) is a national finalist for the inaugural Seal of Excelencia. The award, presented by Excelencia in Education, recognizes institutions for their positive role in serving Latino students.

Finalists are selected for their alignment of data and practice in serving Latino students, strategies and practices that have been institutionalized in serving Latino students, and evidence of effectiveness and intentionality in institutional practices.

“ACC is committed to the intentional and critical work that we must do to close equity gaps,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “The success of our Latino students is imperative to the college and our community as a whole. We are honored to be nominated for this prestigious recognition. When our students succeed, our entire community thrives.”

The Hispanic student population at ACC is the college’s fastest-growing demographic, currently totaling 37 percent of the total student body. In fall 2018, ACC enrolled nearly 15,000 Hispanic students, up 20.4 percent from fall 2014. The college is certified as a Hispanic Serving Institution, a federal designation indicating the college maintains 25 percent or greater full-time equivalent Hispanic enrollment.

ACC is one of 20 finalists selected nationwide.

Excelencia in Education, a national organization that accelerates Latino student success in higher education, will announce the official recipients June 20.