Austin Community College (ACC) presents a panel discussion on the importance of getting students of color to start college while in high school. The Building Bridges town hall event is 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex (1156 Hargrave St., Austin, Texas 78702).

Participants will learn about ACC's high school programs and how to take advantage of free college classes.

"ACC's Dual Credit and Early College High School programs give students, particularly those underrepresented in higher education, an accelerated path to college and workforce training," says Loretta Edelen, ACC Community Engagement director. "This is an important conversation for students and parents to engage in to find out the benefits of this program from an academic and financial standpoint."

ACC partners with high schools to increase early access to college. In 2018, almost 7,400 high school students participated in Dual Credit and Early College High School programs throughout the ACC service area.

Hosted by ACC's Equity and Inclusion Office, the town hall event is part of the colleges' quarterly presentation on ACC programs and services with a focus on underserved populations. The presenters are:

• Dr. Shasta Buchanan, ACC College and High School Relations associate vice president
• Dr. Melissa Biegert, ACC High School Programs Advising and Completion director

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Edelen at 512-223-7672 or email edelen@austincc.edu.