This semester, Austin Community College welcomes 150 freshmen into the inaugural Career Scholars Scholarship program. This collaboration between the college, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and Capital Area Workforce Solutions is designed to close the local skills gap with homegrown talent in specific high-demand industries. Scholarship recipients receive $5000 to use towards earning a certificate, or associate’s degree. Seniors from early college high schools are selected for their growth potential and once in the program, they are equipped with wrap-around services that will help ensure success in the program and beyond. While the $5,000 scholarship alleviates some of the financial burden so students can focus on learning, the scholarship program is built with opportunities for mentorships and internships so the students learn what types of soft skills hiring managers are looking for. Students from underserved communities exit the program with the skills they need, the connections that will aid them and with low to no student debt. When asked about the programming, one career scholar said “It is important to utilize my resources, such as contacting mentors and asking questions. It's nice to know I have such caring people looking out for me, and I will be supported throughout my college years."
The 2020-21 Career Scholars application opens late fall!
Seniors graduating from the following schools are encouraged to apply: All AISD Early College High Schools: Akins, Crockett, Eastside Memorial, LBJ, Navarro, Northeast and Travis; Del Valle HS & ECHS; Elgin HS & ECHS; Manor HS & ECHS; and Round Rock ECHS. Eligible Areas of Study include majors in Business, Computer Science/ IT, Education, Engineering, Applied Technology/Manufacturing and Health Sciences.