AVANCE-Austin proudly celebrated a major milestone with 281 families—the graduation of our latest Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP) and AVANCE to College (A2C) cohorts!
Over the past nine months, our graduates have demonstrated exceptional initiative, passion, and determination. From toy-making workshops and parenting sessions to home visits and workforce development training, each caregiver has grown as their child’s first teacher and advocate and as students themselves.
My counselor helped me with the application process, financial aid, required exams, and English-level expectations. After speaking with her, I felt motivated. People told me, ‘Just dedicate yourself to your children.’ But I believe I can be a mom and pursue my own dreams. —AVANCE-Austin A2C Graduate
Each ceremony was filled with heartfelt speeches, joyful reflections, and a powerful sense of community. Friends, family, staff, and supporters gathered to honor the hard work and transformation of every graduate.
The A2C graduation featured a symbolic march, with caregivers and children walking hand-in-hand (or held close for the littlest ones). The event left Austin Community College (ACC) partners brimming with pride:
“Leading anywhere seems especially painful these days – education for sure. Then you have days like today where moms (and their kids) graduate with their GEDs, developed language skills and started a career path to a family sustaining wage – makes it all worth it. So proud of my Austin Community College and AVANCE to College colleagues. ‘Si, se puede!’” —ACC Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart
Graduation isn’t the end—it’s a launching pad. Already, 95% of A2C alumni have taken bold next steps, enrolling in ACC Adult Education programs, including:
- High School Equivalency (HSE)
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Career training for Internationally Trained Professionals