Events

Join us for Juntos We Make History, a special networking event kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating two major milestones— El Centro’s 30th anniversary and Ascender’s 10th anniversary!

Open to students, faculty, staff, and ACC alumni!

During the event, we will highlight the impactful experiences of students involved in Ascender and El Centro. Through meaningful conversations, resource sharing, and inspiring stories, this event will showcase ACC’s commitment to fostering student growth, leadership, and professional success.

📅 Date: September 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Highland Campus (HLC) 

In collaboration with the ACC Transfer Office, students will get the chance to explore a college campus, learn how the admission process works, and discover exciting transfer opportunities! Once a university is selected, keep an eye out for an email from the Coordinator with all the details—it’s going to be a great experience!

Welcome New Ascender Students! Join us for a fun and informative orientation where you’ll get the inside scoop on the ASCENDER program—our mission, goals, and how we’re here to support you throughout your first year at ACC. You’ll also get to meet your advisors, instructors, and program staff, enjoy free food, and take part in some fun activities to help you get connected and feel ready for the semester ahead.

📍 Choose one session:
Friday, August 22 | 12:00–2:00 PM
In Person – Rio Grande Campus, Room 1103.00 (Highly recommended for the full experience!)

Friday, August 29 | 12:00–2:00 PM
Virtual – via Zoom

✨ This orientation is mandatory for all registered Ascender students—but you only need to attend one session!.

It’s a Match! Get ready to meet your mentor or mentee and kick off an exciting year together! At this fun and interactive event, students and mentors will be introduced, participate in icebreakers and team activities, and start building a strong connection.

Each pair will set goals for the academic year and make a game plan for how to stay connected during the first semester.

All four sessions are scheduled for September 19, 2025.

• Hays Campus: 10 AM–12 PM | HYS1 01319.00
• Round Rock Campus: 10 AM–12 PM | RRC8 8202.00
• Highland Campus: 2 PM–4 PM | TRHTC
• South Austin Campus: 2 PM–4 PM | SAC1 1130

👥 This event is mandatory for students who were paired with mentors.
If either of you can’t attend in person, please notify the coordinator so we can make sure you get all the materials and activities to participate from afar!

The Most Exciting Night of the Semester! Students, bring your families (Remember, family doesn’t necessarily mean just mom and dad—it can also be a friend, significant other, or someone else who supports you.) and mentors for a special evening of connection and celebration! You’ll introduce them to the people supporting your journey, learn more about ACC, ASCENDER, and the mentoring program, and explore how everyone can work together to help you succeed.

🎲 Fun activities
🍽️ Dinner provided
🤝 Connections that last

📍 South Austin Campus: Thur, Oct. 9 | 6–8 PM | SAC1 1130
📍 Eastview Campus: Thur, Oct. 16 | 6–8 PM | EVC 8500
📍 Highland Campus: Thur, Oct. 23 | 6–8 PM | HLC2 1550

Attendance is mandatory for all students and mentors

Register Here

This Halloween, join us for a special literary treat in collaboration with the Texas Book Festival featuring award-winning author Guadalupe García McCall as she discusses her celebrated novel, Summer of the Mariposas. Inspired by Homer’s The Odyssey and infused with Mexican folklore, this captivating story follows five sisters on an unforgettable journey of courage, family, and self-discovery.

Enjoy an engaging Q&A session where you can ask the author your questions, then get your copy of Summer of the Mariposas personally signed. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this is a rare opportunity to connect with the author and explore the magic, symbolism, and themes behind this beloved book.

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Location: ACC Rio Grande Campus
Time: Noon – 2:00 PM

Come celebrate stories and the power of imagination—costumes welcome!

RSVP Coming Soon

End-of-Semester Tamalada! Let’s wrap up the semester the best way we know how—with tamales, fun, and celebration! Join us as we celebrate your first semester of college with the Ascender familia.

✨ Enjoy delicious tamales
🎁 Play White Elephant
📣 Plus, we’ll share important announcements about the Spring 2025 semester

📅 Thursday, December 4
🕕 6 PM – 8 PM
📍 Rio Grande Campus | RG10 Room 1103.00

This event is mandatory for all Ascender students. Let’s wrap up the semester together in style! 🎄✨

RSVP Coming Soon