1. Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education 2007 Conference February 2, 2007

2. College Connection: A Closing the Gaps Initiative Dr. Maggie de la Teja, Dean of Student Services Dr. Richard Armenta, Assoc. VP, Student Success Austin Community College Empowering Latinos to Seek Higher Education

3. What is “Closing the Gaps?” Too few high school graduates entering college Rapidly changing population increases among traditionally underrepresented groups By 2025 Latinos and Blacks will account for more than 55.4% (16.4 million) of Texas population College-going rate lags among minorities In 2002 Latinos and Blacks accounted for 51% of the age group 15-34 population, but only 36% of college and university enrollments Texas 2000 initiative to increase college enrollment, especially of underrepresented students

4. Closing the Gaps State must increase Latino college-going participation rates by 2015 Goal to increase overall enrollment in higher education by 630,000 by 2015; increase overall college-going rate from 5.0% in 2000 to 5.7% by 2015 College-going rate lags among minority populations, particularly Latinos, 3.7% in 2000 Goal is to increase college-going rate for Latinos by 2010 to 4.8% and to 5.7% by 2015 so as to improve quality of life and to maintain State economic advantage

5. Closing the Gaps 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 incomeClosing 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 Most students (over 50%) will elect to start at a community college, especially LatinosMost students (over 50%) will elect to start at a community college, especially Latinos Austin Community College expects 15,000 more students by 2015Austin Community College expects 15,000 more students by 2015

6. Goals for Improving High School to College Transitions Create a culture/expectation that “college is in everyone’s future” Improve/increase percentage of high school graduates who enter college – –About 54% college-going rate in Texas 1 Improve/increase number of high school students who earn college credit while in high school - About 6% are dual enrolled in Texas 2 1 – Source: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/Reportshttp://www.thecb.state.tx.us/Reports 2 – Source: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/hsinit/papers/dual.pdfhttp://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/hsinit/papers/dual.pdf

7. Improve “College Readiness” Reduce high school drop-out rates Reduce number of students who need developmental/ remedial education before entering college credit – –60% of Latinos are under prepared in Texas 1 Enhance science and math education 1 – Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board – Developmental Education: Statewide Data Profile

8. Steps to a College Connection Initiative Identify school districts/schools in service area and data about college-going rates Designate high-level college administrator to take the lead for the College Connection program College administrator (lead) meets and discusses College Connection with superintendents of the school districts Participating school personnel invited to meet with the college administrator lead and a team of Student Services and other college representatives to plan the various high school senior student activities (complete the Activity Grid)

9. College-Going Rates

10. Average Rate – 50% for 26 school districts 1 Range – 30% in Luling ISD (124 Seniors) to 72% in Dripping Springs ISD (234 Seniors) – –Compared to 54% college-going rate for Texas 1 – Source: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/Reports

11. District Service Area ACC: A Critical Regional Resource Black = In-district Green = Out-of-District

12. ACC Service Area Ethnic Distribution 18-44 Population (2005) 1 Other 34,748 5% Black 50,289 7% Hispanic 217,406 32% White 373,753 56% 1 – Source: Austin Community College Fact Book 2005-2006

13. ACC Student Ethnic Distribution (Fall 2005) 1 1 – Source: Austin Community College Fact Book 2005-2006

14. May 2006 High School Graduates Participating in College Connection Ethnic Distribution 1 Total Students Served 6,803 1 – Source: Austin Community College Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability

15. May 2006 High School Graduates Participating in College Connection Enrolled Fall 2006 At ACC Ethnic Distribution 1 Total Students Enrolled 1,200 1 – Source: Austin Community College Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability

16. Steps to a College Connection Initiative The College administrator lead and data analysts obtain senior students’ testing scores and other data from the district College Student Services leads in admissions, financial aid, assessment testing, academic advising, counseling, and recruitment go to the school campus and provide services Completion of the Admissions Application is usually in the fall Financial Aid services are provided in the spring to give students adequate time to gather income tax forms. Parents are invited to be a part of this process Assessment Testing is usually in the spring Online pre-advising (orientation) is then completed at the high school during class time or during advisory periods One-on-one academic advising is completed at the high school with a college advisor/counselor in the spring

17. College Connection Programs & Activities

18. College Connection Program Many high school students find the college enrollment process intimidating. 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.

19. What is the Austin Community College College Connection? Alignment of outreach efforts A collaboration among various departments at ACC and with the school districts Removal of barriers to college information/enrollment Hands-on assistance to students Intensive connection with high school students and staff 100% high school senior participation Formal acceptance to college for every high school senior

20. College Connection Activity Grid Sample ActivityDateTimeLocation Equipment CommunicationSan Marcos HS Contact (*Lead Contact) Name@san- marcos.isd.tenet.edu ACC Contact (*Lead Contact) Name@austincc.edu Signature Letter of Release to Parents August 15- 26, 2005 Boilerplate letter Letters to parents contest *Cecily Moore Cecily.moore *Linda Kluck Lkluck Senior Assembly: -Access to College -Getting Started -Financial Aid -Career Planning September 8, 2005 9:45-11:15 a.m. SMHS Auditorium and Library Notice in parent newsletter Notice on high school website *Cecily Moore Cecily.moore *George Reyes Rey Amy Koch Akoch Admissions Application Make-Up Day Sept 14, 2005 Sept 28, 2005 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. San Marcos HS Library 60 computers Intercom announcements Notice to faculty *Cecily Moore Cecily.moore *Amy Koch Akoch ASSET Assessment (paper and pencil) Nov 8 & 10, 2005 8:30 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. SMCISD Fine Arts Theater and Library Schedule to parents and on web site *Cecily Moore Cecily.moore *Amy Koch Akoch Financial Aid Information Night Feb. 15, 2006 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. San Marcos HS Library Use incentives for seniors to attend Information sheet disseminated to students @ school & via web site *Cecily Moore Cecily.moore *Terry Bazan Tbazan@austincc.edu San Marcos Lead: Chad Kelly, 512-393-6800, chad.kelly@smcisd.net Senior Count: 424 (SMHS) Cecily Moore, 512-393-6800, cecily.moore@smcisd.net 16 (Pride HS) ACC Lead: Mary Hensley, 223-7618, mhensley@austincc.edu/Luanne Preston, 223-7355, luanne@austincc.edu Admin. Assistant: Esther Buzard, 223-7618, ebuzard@austincc.edu/Laurie Clark, 223-7353, lclark2@austincc.edu SHADED – Required College Connection Activities

21. Students Receive Services at the High School: Required Admission application ASSET or COMPASS college readiness testing Pre-advising (ACC 101) Academic advising Acceptance letter at graduation Recommended Senior presentation Financial aid application Optional Student life information ACC video teleconference ACC campus tours Register for ACC classes

22. Uses of Technology Listservs to facilitate communicationListservs to facilitate communication Website with activity detailsWebsite with activity details I-cal online calendarI-cal online calendar Senior Assembly/Student Recruitment Presentation on InternetSenior Assembly/Student Recruitment Presentation on Internet Admissions Application on InternetAdmissions Application on Internet FAFSAFAFSA Teletour on InternetTeletour on Internet Pre-advising (101) on InternetPre-advising (101) on Internet

23. Mobile Go Center The ACC Mobile Go Center stops at schools, shopping malls, community centers, and other locations to bring college-related information, motivation, and assistance directly to students and their families. Mobile Go Centers are part of the College for Texans Campaign to support state Closing the Gaps efforts to draw an additional 630,000 Texans into colleges and universities by 2015.

24. Participating School Districts

25. College Connection Program Participants 2003-2004 (Year 1) San Marcos CISD 2004-2005 (Year 2) Austin ISD Bastrop ISD Del Valle ISD Leander ISD San Marcos CISD 2005-2006 (Year 3) Austin ISD Bastrop ISD Del Valle ISD Hays CISD Leander ISD Manor ISD Pflugerville ISD San Marcos CISD 2006-2007 (Year 4) Austin ISD Blanco ISD Bastrop ISD Del Valle ISD Elgin ISD Fredericksburg ISD Harper ISD Hays CISD Jarrell ISD Johnson City ISD Lago Vista ISD Leander ISD Liberty Hill ISD Lockhart ISD Luling ISD Manor ISD Nixon-Smiley CISD Pflugerville ISD Prairie Lea ISD Round Rock ISD San Marcos CISD Smithville ISD

26. School Districts Participating in the College Connection Program 2006-2007 School District Number of High Schools Number of Seniors YearStarted Austin ISD 124,2002004 Bastrop ISD 15602004 Blanco ISD 1772006 Del Valle ISD 23672004 Elgin ISD 22342006 Fredericksburg ISD 22362006 Harper ISD 1332006 Hays CISD 36652005 Jarrell ISD 1602006 Johnson City ISD 1492006 Lago Vista ISD 1892006 Leander ISD 41,3862004 Liberty Hill ISD 11382006 Lockhart ISD 23762006 Luling ISD 11242006 Manor ISD 22262005 Nixon-Smiley CISD 2732006 Pflugerville ISD 24362005 Prairie Lea ISD 1202006 Round Rock ISD 52,5972006 San Marcos CISD 24842003 Smithville ISD 11152006 Total (22) 4112,545

27. Steps to a College Connection Initiative A high-level college administrator participates in the high school graduation ceremony if requested; each high school senior student participant receives a college admissions letter at the same time he/she receives a high school diploma Evaluation of the College Connection program activities occurs at the college and at the high school to improve the process for the next year While all these activities are occurring the administrator responsible for the College Connection program seeks grant funding to expand the program and funds for student scholarships

28. College Connection Program Works

29. 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 2003-2006 Austin ISD 56052763074132.32% Bastrop ISD 3335705566.67% Del Valle ISD 3831584928.95% Hays CISD 6170667726.23% Leander ISD 17316524220920.81% Manor ISD 162019 18.75% Pflugerville ISD 8379679514.46% San Marcos CISD 334849369.09% Totals 9979751,2011,28128.49% Source: http://www.txhighereddata.org/Reports and ACC Office Of Institutional Effectiveness and Accountabilityhttp://www.txhighereddata.org/Reports

30. The Austin Community College College Connection Program Works! District Students Not Located in Texas Higher Education Fall 2003 1 Students Not Located in Texas Higher Education Fall 2004 2 Students Not Located in Texas Higher Education Fall 2005 3 % 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 % Districts Initiating the College Connection Program in Fall 2005 Hays 28157%31157%29055%2 % Manor 5157%7457%8762%-5 % Pflugerville 40744%47049%40443%1 % Blue=Year after College Connection started 1-Source: http://www.txhighereddata.org/Reports/PDF/0961.pdfhttp://www.txhighereddata.org/Reports/PDF/0961.pdf 2-Source: http://www.txhighereddata.org/Reports/PDF/0963.pdfhttp://www.txhighereddata.org/Reports/PDF/0963.pdf 3-Source: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/Reports/PDF/1161.PDFhttp://www.thecb.state.tx.us/Reports/PDF/1161.PDF

31. College Connection Results for Austin Community College Fall 2005 Positive effect on fall enrollments – –28.49% increase in enrollment from College Connection High Schools from Fall 2003 to Fall 2006 Positive effect on Early College Start/Dual Credit enrollments – –25.6% increase in enrollment from Fall 2004 to Fall 2005 Positive effect on Tech Prep enrollments (high school students are able to take college technical courses for free and earn Tech Prep credit after the student successfully completes one college credit course at ACC) – –Significant increase in number of students receiving Tech Prep credit from Fall 2004 to Fall 2005

32. College Connection Budget Implications ISDs not charged—free to themISDs not charged—free to them Replaces traditional recruitment activitiesReplaces traditional recruitment activities FY06 BudgetFY06 Budget College Connection $100,000+additional institutional funding=$989,000 (Covers existing, redeployed staff and resources plus additional Student Recruitment, Admissions, Financial Aid, and Testing staff and materials) FY07 increased grant funding—$277,000FY07 increased grant funding—$277,000

33. College Connection Expansion

34. College Connection Related Initiatives: Mini-College Connection for Adult EducationMini-College Connection for Adult Education College Connection ScholarshipsCollege Connection Scholarships

35. Other 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

36. Steps to a College Connection Initiative Austin Community College College Connection Program is a 2006 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Award Winner College Connection is the 2007 Bellwether Award winner from the Community College Futures Assembly Your institution’s Next Step? Create an award winning College Connection program

37. “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

38. College Connection Web Site www.austincc.edu/isd

39. College Connection Website

40. To see a copy of this presentation, please go to this link: http://www.austincc.edu/isd/tache/020107.ppt

41. Dr. Maggie de la Teja Austin Community College Dean of Student Services 1820 W. Stassney Lane Austin, TX 78745 (512) 223-9154 (512) 223-9174 (fax) mteja@austincc.edu

42. Mary Hensley, Ed.D. Austin Community College Vice President College Support Systems and ISD Relations 5930 Middle Fiskville Road Austin, TX 78754 (512) 223-7618 (512) 223-7895 (fax) mhensley@austincc.edu