{"id":13361,"date":"2026-06-09T14:16:52","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T14:16:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/instruction.austincc.edu\/tledupdates\/?p=13361"},"modified":"2026-06-09T14:16:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T14:16:52","slug":"faces-of-our-mission-june-celebrating-accs-low-income-financially-at-risk-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/instruction.austincc.edu\/tledupdates\/2026\/06\/09\/faces-of-our-mission-june-celebrating-accs-low-income-financially-at-risk-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Faces of Our Mission – June: Celebrating ACC\u2019s Low-Income & Financially At-Risk Students"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The <\/span>Faces of Our Mission<\/i><\/a><\/strong> series highlights the students at Austin Community College (ACC) and the support available at the College for them to thrive academically and personally. This month, we take a moment to spotlight low-income and financially at-risk students and honor their resilience, determination and commitment to pursuing their educational goals while navigating financial challenges. Learn about their stories and how ACC\u2019s support services help students overcome barriers, access opportunities and excel both inside and outside of the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Explore the full <\/span>Faces of Our Mission<\/span><\/i> blog series <\/span>here<\/a><\/strong>, and return each month as we celebrate a new student community and the resources that support their success at ACC.<\/span><\/p>\n

June 2026 – Low-Income & Financially At-Risk Students<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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\nStudents balancing financial stress and academic responsibilities show tenacity and grit. This month, we recognize their challenges and honor the perseverance it takes to pursue education under financial pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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“59% of ACC undergraduates are low-income, based on economic disadvantage status, unemployment data, or self-reported income.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“More than half of students face basic needs challenges, 55% reported housing insecurity, and 48% were food insecure. Our districtwide food pantries (Riverbat Bites) were created to address these insecurities by providing free, nutritious options to all ACC students.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Low-income or financially challenged students thrive when they have access to robust support systems and resources that address both their financial needs and their academic and personal development. See the direct impact of ACC resources through the experiences of students who have benefited from the College\u2019s support services. In the videos below, Annahie Dominguez and Demitra Bravo share how the <\/span>Student Emergency Fund<\/a><\/strong> helped them navigate unexpected financial hardships, providing critical assistance during times of uncertainty and allowing them to remain focused on their academic goals.<\/span><\/p>\n