Austin Community College District (ACC) and ACC chancellor, Dr. Richard Rhodes, were awarded the 2020 Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA) Friend of Manufacturing Award.

ARMA recognized the college for its work to create the new Advanced Manufacturing High School Academy and IMPACT Lab – a business incubator set to open in 2021 for aspiring manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

"ACC and Dr. Rhodes have been critical partners (to ARMA)," states ARMA in its announcement. "(Together, we've) helped develop talent and provide a bridge for people to get skills needed within industry."

ARMA applauded ACC's work to develop and launch rapid training, microcredentials, and industrial degree opportunities for students. The college offers career certificates and associate degrees that lead to jobs in semiconductor, electronics, medical devices, and other manufacturing sectors. ACC has partnered with ARMA to deliver more than $250,000 in training through Texas Workforce Commission skills grants, and to develop the manufacturing academy.

To learn more about ACC's manufacturing programs, visit austincc.edu/manufacturing.