Connecting Possibility to Expectation One Student at a Time Bellwether Awards January 29, 2007 Declining by Degrees: Higher Education at Risk

Critical Issues

Addressing the Critical Issues Creating a culture of high expectations Increasing access to aid low-income students Addressing non-academic barriers

The Challenge: Why Make a College Connection?

Closing the Gaps in Participation State of Texas Closing the Gaps warns that if more Texans do not receive college degrees by 2030, the State could lose up to $40 billion in annual household income. The goal is to increase student enrollment in higher education by 630,000 by Most students will elect to start at a community college. Austin Community College expects 15,000 more students by 2015.

“Closing the Gaps” Background “The community college’s role in the goal of participation is absolutely vital. We talk about students who come directly from high school into higher education, and while the numbers are going up, we are not attracting a significant increase in the pool. That’s one of the areas that we’re going to have to spend some real effort – in encouraging students who complete high school to continue on with higher education and the Connections Program that has been talked about already today is absolutely the way that it needs to happen all across the state to change.” Dr. Glenda Barron Assistant Commissioner, Community and Technical Colleges Division Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board January 7, 2005

College Connection Overview

Improving High School to College Transitions Provide admission and pre-enrollment services to seniors on their school campuses Create an expectation that “College is in everyone’s future.” Increase percentage of high school seniors who enter college after high school graduation.

“Attaining advanced levels of education for disadvantaged students cannot be done without developing a college-going culture in every middle school and high school in the state of Texas...then suddenly, (going to college) changes from being a possibility to an expectation.” Raymund Paredes Commissioner, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board January 6, 2005

Excuses For Not Continuing Your Education No one in my family has ever gone to college. I’ve been in school for 12 years. That’s enough! I just want a good job. I can’t afford it. I don’t know what I want to do with my life. I won’t fit in. College is too hard. I don’t know how to apply or where I want to go. Source: Adapted from The College Board’s “Seven Excuses Not to Go to College and Why They’re Lame”

Texas High School Graduates from FY 2005 Enrolled in Texas Higher Education Fall 2005 Austin Community College Service Area College Transition Rates *Includes students who were not enrolled in Texas colleges or universities in the Fall semester immediately following graduation, as well as students who were enrolled out-of-state. **Districts with less than 25 graduates are not included in this report. Source: School District Total High School Graduates Students Enrolled in Texas Universities Students Enrolled in Texas 2-year Colleges Students Not Located in Texas Higher Education * Austin3, %68718%2,005 54% Bastrop %10223%239 54% Blanco631829%1422%31 49% Coupland** Del Valle %6719%236 66% Doss** Dripping Springs %5423%66 28% Eanes %539%267 46% Elgin %4220%111 53% Fredericksburg %3013%108 47%

Texas High School Graduates from FY 2005 Enrolled in Texas Higher Education Fall 2005 Austin Community College Service Area College Transition Rates School District Total High School Graduates Students Enrolled in Texas Universities Students Enrolled in Texas 2-year Colleges Students Not Located in Texas Higher Education * Georgetown %9518%246 46% Harper331751%412%12 36% Hays %7715%290 55% Jarrell381026%1026%18 47% Johnson City582340%916%26 45% Lago Vista652132%812%36 55% Lake Travis %5417%116 36% Leander1, %28228%422 42% Liberty Hill %3022%66 48% Lockhart %2812%147 61% *Includes students who were not enrolled in Texas colleges or universities in the Fall semester immediately following graduation, as well as students who were enrolled out-of-state. **Districts with less than 25 graduates are not included in this report. Source:

Texas High School Graduates from FY 2005 Enrolled in Texas Higher Education Fall 2005 Austin Community College Service Area College Transition Rates School District Total High School Graduates Students Enrolled in Texas Universities Students Enrolled in Texas 2-year Colleges Students Not Located in Texas Higher Education * Luling811721%79%57 70% Manor %2619%87 62% McDade** Nixon-Smiley591017%1322%36 61% Pflugerville %20221%404 43% Prairie Lea** Round Rock2, %39818%1,057 48% San Marcos %6416%234 59% Smithville %2423%5653% Wimberley %3421%61 38% Total12,9074,05931%2,41419%6,43450% *Includes students who were not enrolled in Texas colleges or universities in the Fall semester immediately following graduation, as well as students who were enrolled out-of-state. **Districts with less than 25 graduates are not included in this report. Source:

The Process: Implementing College Connection

Program Assumptions The college enrollment process is intimidating, especially to first-generation college students. Removing barriers and establishing relationships will ease college transition.

Program Hallmarks Austin Community College provides hands-on, one-on-one support to assist every student through each step of the college admissions process. During graduation ceremonies, high school graduating seniors receive acceptance letters to Austin Community College.

Students Receive Services at the High School: Required Admission application ASSET or COMPASS Orientation Academic advising Graduation letter Optional Student life info Teleconference Campus tours Registration Other Recommended Senior presentation Financial aid application

College Connection Activity Grid Sample ActivityDateTimeLocation Equipment CommunicationSan Marcos HS Contact (*Lead Contact) cisd.net ACC Contact (*Lead Contact) Signature Letter of Release August 30, 2006 Template letterLetters to parents contest *Cecily Moore cecily.moore *Luanne Preston luanne Senior AssemblySeptember 8, :45-11:15 a.m. SMHS Auditorium and Library Notice in parent newsletter Notice on high school website *Cecily Moore cecily.moore *K. Leigh Forell khammfor Admissions Application Make-Up Day October 3, 2006 October 6, :20 a.m. – 3:55 p.m. Library computer labs/ English classes Non-citizen students must obtain alternate ID before completeing application *Cecily Moore cecily.moore *Linda Kluck lkluck ASSET Assessment (paper and pencil) February 6 & 8, :20 a.m. – 3:55 p.m. Room A123; Library Schedule to parents & on web site *Cecily Moore cecily.moore *Holly Delacroix hdelacro Financial AidApril 12, :20 a.m. – 3:55 p.m. LibraryInformation sheet disseminated to school & via web site *Cecily Moore cecily.moore *Gail Braswell gbraswell District Lead:Sylvia Garza, , San Marcos HS Lead:Chad Kelly, , Admin. Assistant: Lisa Jordan, , ACC Lead:Mary Hensley, , Preston, , Exec. Assistant: Esther Buzard, , College Connection Lead:Luanne Preston, , Admin. Assistant: Laurie Clark, , Senior Count:424 (SMHS) SHADE/BOLD – Required College Connection Activities

Lifetime Acceptance Application never discarded Provide a permanent college home Students come to ACC In summer for transfer After military service After career changes Co-enroll while attending 4-year institution Cohorts can be tracked by semester of entry; ACC collects longitudinal data for retention, completion and success

The Results: College Connection’s Impact

Diversity of College Connection Participants Anglo - 41% African American - 11% Hispanic - 39% Asian - 4% Other - 5%

More than 55% of College Connection enrollees are minorities Higher percentage entering ACC through College Connection than in the general ACC student population of 41% Enrollments for minorities and economically disadvantaged students is more than double the state goals Traditionally Underrepresented in Higher Education - Students Enroll at ACC

The ACC College Connection Program Works! District Students Not Located in Texas Higher Education Fall 2003 Students Not Located in Texas Higher Education Fall 2004 Students Not Located in Texas Higher Education Fall 2005 % Increase of Students Located in Higher Education San Marcos 27366%21955%23459%7 % Austin 2,15556%2,06656%2,00554% 2 % Bastrop 28669%23457%23954%15 % Del Valle 29377%31280%23666%11 % Leander 44448%45948%42242%6 % Total 3,45158%3,29056%3,13653%5% Violet = Year after College Connection started Source: Increase in Texas Higher Education

The ACC College Connection Program Works! District Students Enrolling at ACC Fall 2003 Students Enrolling at ACC Fall 2004 Students Enrolling at ACC Fall 2005 Students Enrolling at ACC Fall 2006 % Increase of Students Enrolling at ACC Austin ISD % Bastrop ISD % Del Valle ISD % Hays CISD % Leander ISD % Manor ISD % Pflugerville ISD % San Marcos CISD % Total ,2011, % Source: and ACC Office Of Institutional Effectiveness and Accountabilityhttp:// Increase at Austin Community College

College Connection Results for ACC, Positive effect on fall enrollments Immediate great results: 37.6% increase first year 59% increase over two years Positive effect on Early College Start enrollments 25.6% increase in enrollment from ‘04 to ’05 45% increase in enrollment from ’04 to ’06 Positive effect on Tech Prep enrollments 714% increase in number of students receiving Tech Prep credit 36 students in students in students in

Related Initiatives Mini-College Connection for Adult Education College Connection Scholarships

Lessons Learned: Starting A College Connection

Lessons Learned Replication Buy In Resource Allocation Technology Use Growth and Expansion Data Collection Publicity and Celebrations

Replication Can implement with existing resources Requires strategic reorganization, commitment, creativity Pilot for success

Buy In Personnel at all levels need to be involved and willing School District Superintendent School Principal High School Faculty College Board of Trustees College President College Faculty and Staff

Resource Allocation Reorganization and redesign of existing student services resources Staff received cross-training to maximize efficiency and productivity Peak enrollment periods leveled out as graduating seniors plan ahead Other costs involved Testing Fees Travel Budgets

Technology Use Use technology whenever available to save time and other resources Technology has been developed for the: Online college application Financial aid application Pre-advising (ACC 101) Testing (COMPASS) Senior Presentations listservs Websites Data Tracking Communication

College Connection Website Access to scheduled activities for students, parents, and school officials Calendars Links to pertinent ACC sites

Directory Educational Choices Educational Choices Costs & Financial Aid Student Support Library Locations Get Answers Costs & Financial Aid Student Support Library Locations Get Answers A C H o m eA C C H o m e » C ol le ge C on ne cti on at A us ti n C o m m un it y C ol le ge College Connection receives state and national recognition and awards: T e x a s H ig h e r E d u c a ti o n C o o r d i n a ti n g B o a r d 's S T A R A w a r d C o m m u n it y C ol le g e F u t u r e s A ss e m b ly B el l w et h e r A w a r d F i n al is t E x c el e n ci a i n E d u c a ti o n S e m if i n al is t Graduating seniors in Austin, Bastrop, Blanco, Del Valle, Elgin, Fredericksburg, Harper, Hays, Jarrell, Johnson City, Lago Vista, Leander, Liberty Hill, Lockhart, Luling, Manor, Nixon-Smiley, Pflugerville, Prairie Lea, Round Rock, San Marcos, and Smithville ISDs will now receive two sources of recognition when they walk across the stage to graduate: a diploma and an acceptance letter to college. This is due to a new, nationally recognized program called College Connection. Through the College Connection program, ACC will provide hands-on, one-on-one support to assist every student through each step of the college admissions process. College Connection will help increase the number of graduating seniors who enter college by creating an awareness of the benefits of going to college. Bringing this unique partnership to the community is an important step toward student success. By working together to “close the gap,” we can help improve the quality of life in Central Texas…one student at a time. "Suddenly, (going to college) changes from being a possibility to an expectation." -Raymund Paredes, Texas Higher Education Commissioner W eb m as te rW eb m as te r Di re ct or y C op yr ig ht L eg al N ot ic es A bo ut A C C C on ta ct A C C A C C H o m e L as t m od ifi ed : D ec e m be r : 22 p m | A us ti n C o m m un it y C ol le ge Di str ict A us ti n, T X Di re ct or y C op yr ig ht L eg al N ot ic es A bo ut A C on ta ct A C A C H o m e F ut u re S tu d e nt s F ut u re S tu d e nt s C u rr e nt S tu d e nt s F a c ul ty a n d S ta ff C o m m u ni ty a n d B u si n e ss N e w sr o o m A - Z I n d e x C u rr e nt S tu d e nt s F a c ul ty a n d S ta ff C o m u ni ty a n d B u si n e ss N e w sr o m A - Z I n d e x College Connection at Austin Community CollegeCollege Connection at Austin Community College A us ti n C o m m un it y C ol le ge M id dl e Fi sk vi lle R d. A us ti n, Te xa s A C C (4 22 2) Apply Apply Schedule Register Schedule Register B la c k b o ar d L o gi nB la c k b o ar d L o gi n A C C 1 0 1A C A C C A li v e T el et o u rA C A li v e T el et o u r T O P C A TT O P C A T E n E s p a ñ olE n E s p a ñ ol C ol le g e C o n n e ct io n H o m eC ol le g e C o n e ct io n H o m e S c h o ol D is tr ic ts P ar ti ci p at in g in C ol le g e C o n n e ct io nS c h o ol D is tr ic ts P ar ti ci p at in g in C ol le g e C o n e ct io n S te p s to C ol le g e C o n n e ct io nS te p s to C ol le g e C o n e ct io n A b o ut C ol le g e C o n n e ct io nA b o ut C ol le g e C o n e ct io n W h y C ol le g e C o n n e ct io nW h y C ol le g e C o n e ct io n A C C 's R ol e in C ol le g e C o n n e ct io nA C 's R ol e in C ol le g e C o n e ct io n W h at S tu d e nt s G etW h at S tu d e nt s G et A C C D e p ar t m e nt s in v ol v e d in C ol le g e C o nnectionA C D e p ar t m e nt s in v ol v e d in C ol le g e C o n ectionCollegeConnectionIntheNewsCollegeCon ectionIntheNewsACCCentersAC entersACCWeblinksAC WeblinksMobileGoCenterMobileGoCenter Welcome to College Connection Luanne Preston, Ph.D Executive Director, Early College Start and College Connections Austin Community College 5930 Middle Fiskville Road Austin, TX (512) (512) (fax) Mary Hensley, Ed.D Vice President, College Support Systems and ISD Relations Austin Community College 5930 Middle Fiskville Road Austin, TX (512) (512) (fax) du For additional information about ACC's College Connection Program, please contact Directory Educational Choices Educational Choices Costs & Financial Aid Student Support Library Locations Get Answers Costs & Financial Aid Student Support Library Locations Get Answers A C H o m eA C C H o m e » C ol le ge C on ne cti on at A us ti n C o m m un it y C ol le ge College Connection receives state and national recognition and awards: T e x a s H ig h e r E d u c a ti o n C o o r d i n a ti n g B o a r d 's S T A R A w a r d C o m m u n it y C ol le g e F u t u r e s A ss e m b ly B el l w et h e r A w a r d F i n al is t E x c el e n ci a i n E d u c a ti o n S e m if i n al is t Graduating seniors in Austin, Bastrop, Blanco, Del Valle, Elgin, Fredericksburg, Harper, Hays, Jarrell, Johnson City, Lago Vista, Leander, Liberty Hill, Lockhart, Luling, Manor, Nixon-Smiley, Pflugerville, Prairie Lea, Round Rock, San Marcos, and Smithville ISDs will now receive two sources of recognition when they walk across the stage to graduate: a diploma and an acceptance letter to college. This is due to a new, nationally recognized program called College Connection. Through the College Connection program, ACC will provide hands-on, one-on-one support to assist every student through each step of the college admissions process. College Connection will help increase the number of graduating seniors who enter college by creating an awareness of the benefits of going to college. Bringing this unique partnership to the community is an important step toward student success. By working together to “close the gap,” we can help improve the quality of life in Central Texas…one student at a time. "Suddenly, (going to college) changes from being a possibility to an expectation." -Raymund Paredes, Texas Higher Education Commissioner W eb m as te rW eb m as te r Di re ct or y C op yr ig ht L eg al N ot ic es A bo ut A C C C on ta ct A C C A C C H o m e L as t m od ifi ed : D ec e m be r : 22 p m | A us ti n C o m m un it y C ol le ge Di str ict A us ti n, T X Di re ct or y C op yr ig ht L eg al N ot ic es A bo ut A C on ta ct A C A C H o m e F ut u re S tu d e nt s F ut u re S tu d e nt s C u rr e nt S tu d e nt s F a c ul ty a n d S ta ff C o m m u ni ty a n d B u si n e ss N e w sr o o m A - Z I n d e x C u rr e nt S tu d e nt s F a c ul ty a n d S ta ff C o m u ni ty a n d B u si n e ss N e w sr o m A - Z I n d e x College Connection at Austin Community CollegeCollege Connection at Austin Community College A us ti n C o m m un it y C ol le ge M id dl e Fi sk vi lle R d. A us ti n, Te xa s A C C (4 22 2) Apply Apply Schedule Register Schedule Register B la c k b o ar d L o gi nB la c k b o ar d L o gi n A C C 1 0 1A C A C C A li v e T el et o u rA C A li v e T el et o u r T O P C A TT O P C A T E n E s p a ñ olE n E s p a ñ ol C ol le g e C o n n e ct io n H o m eC ol le g e C o n e ct io n H o m e S c h o ol D is tr ic ts P ar ti ci p at in g in C ol le g e C o n n e ct io nS c h o ol D is tr ic ts P ar ti ci p at in g in C ol le g e C o n e ct io n S te p s to C ol le g e C o n n e ct io nS te p s to C ol le g e C o n e ct io n A b o ut C ol le g e C o n n e ct io nA b o ut C ol le g e C o n e ct io n W h y C ol le g e C o n n e ct io nW h y C ol le g e C o n e ct io n A C C 's R ol e in C ol le g e C o n n e ct io nA C 's R ol e in C ol le g e C o n e ct io n W h at S tu d e nt s G etW h at S tu d e nt s G et A C C D e p ar t m e nt s in v ol v e d in C ol le g e C o nnectionA C D e p ar t m e nt s in v ol v e d in C ol le g e C o n ectionCollegeConnectionIntheNewsCollegeCon ectionIntheNewsACCCentersAC entersACCWeblinksAC WeblinksMobileGoCenterMobileGoCenter Welcome to College Connection Luanne Preston, Ph.D Executive Director, Early College Start and College Connections Austin Community College 5930 Middle Fiskville Road Austin, TX (512) (512) (fax) Mary Hensley, Ed.D Vice President, College Support Systems and ISD Relations Austin Community College 5930 Middle Fiskville Road Austin, TX (512) (512) (fax) du For additional information about ACC's College Connection Program, please contact

Program Growth & Statewide Expansion Be prepared to plan for growth Growth leads to community support Growth indicates success Growth indicates a need in the community

College Connection School Districts (Year 1) San Marcos (Year 2) Austin Bastrop Del Valle Leander San Marcos (Year 3) Austin Bastrop Del Valle Hays Leander Manor Pflugerville San Marcos (Year 4) Austin Bastrop Blanco Del Valle Elgin Fredericksburg Harper Hays Jarrell Johnson City Lago Vista Leander Liberty Hill Lockhart Luling Manor Nixon-Smiley Pflugerville Prairie Lea Round Rock San Marcos Smithville

College Connection Program Growth Over 3 years: 1 school district to 22 2 high schools to students to 12,000+ ACC’s Future Goal: Include all 30 school districts in our service area

Statewide Expansion Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board plans to expand College Connection to all Texas high schools

Texas Community Colleges Adopting College Connection Program Alamo Community College District Coastal Bend Community College Del Mar Community College Houston Community College District Temple Community College Victoria Community College

Data Collection Develop a data collection plan Items to track Participation by district/high school College retention rates College attendance Ethnicity Gender Enrollees Need for developmental education College-going rates Dual credit/tech prep participation

Publicity and Celebrations Celebrate with the districts especially at the graduation ceremonies Recognize college staff Utilize local and national newspapers, journals, conferences, etc.

College Connection Program National Acclaim & Recognition

Program Recognition Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Award Award Recipient November 2006 Excelencia in Education Award Semi-Finalist October 2006 Bellwether Award Finalist December 2006

Success Attracts External Funding TG Public Benefit Grant - $155,000 Texas Pioneer Foundation - $50,000 Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce - $108,000 Round Rock ISD - $18,000 In-kind Mobile Go Center Advanced Micro Devices AT&T Foundation College For All Texans Foundation

Mobile Go Center

Assist in College Connection services Make non- College Connection visits to malls, community centers, etc.

Mary Hensley Austin Community College Vice President College Support Systems and ISD Relations 5930 Middle Fiskville Road Austin, TX Office: (512) Fax: (512)

For a copy of this presentation:

Questions and Answers