The Teaching & Learning Excellence Division’s (TLED’s) Faces of Our Mission series spotlights Austin Community College (ACC) students and the resources that support their academic and personal success. For February, the series honors students of color whose lived experiences, leadership, and contributions enrich our classrooms and strengthen ACC’s learning community. Explore their stories and learn how institutional support systems foster belonging, affirm identity, and advance equitable opportunities for student success.

Explore the full Faces of Our Mission blog post series here, and return monthly as we highlight a new featured student group.

February 2026 – Students of Color

Students of color bring cultural richness, leadership, and lived experience that shape the fabric of our classrooms and college community. This month, we honor their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to inclusive teaching and equitable student engagement.

Students of color thrive in environments where their identities are affirmed, their voices are heard, and they have access to meaningful mentorship, leadership opportunities, and culturally responsive learning experiences that reflect their perspectives.

Hear directly from ACC students as they lend their voices to “Quiltmaker,” a poem by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, in celebration of Black History Month. In this short video, Tiara Allen and A’leya Campbell reflect through spoken word on identity, legacy, and collective strength, highlighting the power of storytelling and creative expression within ACC’s learning community.

By cultivating inclusive and affirming learning environments and connecting students to meaningful guidance and resources, ACC supports students of color in navigating their educational journeys with confidence, strengthening community connections, and achieving their academic goals.

Spotlight on Student Resources

African American Cultural Center: The African American Cultural Center works to increase understanding and appreciation of African American culture, history, and contributions across the ACC and Central Texas communities. The center provides a supportive academic environment where students can pursue their educational goals while engaging in mentorship, retention activities, and culturally responsive programming. Through its work, the center also offers opportunities for faculty and the broader campus community to deepen awareness of cultural dynamics and foster inclusive learning environments.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center: The AAPI Cultural Center is dedicated to supporting students in their academic journeys while broadening awareness of AAPI heritage and cultures across the district. Through culturally responsive programs and services, the center provides a trusted, welcoming space that fosters belonging, empowers students with holistic support, and engages the broader ACC community in learning about AAPI histories, cultures, and experiences.

BRASS (Bold Representation of Achievement through Student Support): BRASS is a holistic support network at ACC that prepares students to become corporate and community leaders through mentorship, learning groups, and specialized programming. Designed to foster leadership development, professional growth, and community connection, BRASS offers students a culturally responsive environment where achievements are celebrated and success is supported. The program welcomes all interested students, with a strong focus on engaging those from global majority backgrounds.

Latin American Cultural Center (El Centro): A key resource supporting students of color at ACC, the Latin American Cultural Center, also known as El Centro, serves as the College’s interdisciplinary hub for Latine/x heritage and programming. El Centro offers a welcoming, culturally affirming space where students can connect, engage in academic and cultural programming, and build community. Through mentorship, educational support, and campus-wide initiatives, El Centro fosters belonging while increasing awareness of Latine/x history, culture, and contributions locally and globally.

Truth, Community Healing & Transformation (TCHT) Center: The TCHT Center is a nationally recognized campus center and community partnership dedicated to fostering connection, belonging, and success for all persons at ACC. As part of a multi-year initiative focused on addressing unjust disparities, the center creates spaces for dialogue, reflection, and learning that acknowledge historical harms while supporting pathways toward collective healing. Through education, storytelling, and community engagement, TCHT works to challenge othering, promote equity, and advance transformational change across the College and Central Texas community.

Celebrating Every Story

Through initiatives like the Faces of Our Mission calendar, TLED highlights the importance of understanding student experiences—backed by research and data—for everyone who shapes learning at ACC. By celebrating cultural heritage, supporting diverse identities, and sharing practical resources, we create an inclusive educational landscape where every student can achieve their goals.

Supporting all students, all year long.