From a young age, Brian Cosme dreamed of working on cars. This fall, he turns that childhood passion into a real career as he graduates from Austin Community College District’s (ACC) Automotive Technology program. This milestone was made possible through years of determination and a strong support system built by his family, ACC, and Communities In Schools (CIS) of Central Texas.
Brian’s journey with CIS began long before college. The organization partnered with his family — including his seven siblings — for more than 15 years, providing school-based services, mentoring, and after-school support through programs like the Smart Kids initiative with the City of Austin Housing Authority. When life took a difficult turn, and he stepped away from school, CIS helped him find his way back.
As he explored options to restart his education, he reconnected with CIS to navigate admissions, financial aid, and career pathways. Brian chose to enroll in ACC’s Automotive Technology program.
“Before, my attitude was so different—my confidence was so different,” he said. “CIS has always felt like family, and so I took the lessons to heart.”
At ACC, Brian found the stability, hands-on training, and encouragement he needed to thrive. He says the College gave him real workforce skills and a community that believed in him. Now, he becomes a role model in his own family and a source of pride and inspiration for his siblings. They have described him as a father figure who showed them what persistence looks like.
This fall also marks a new chapter in ACC’s partnership with CIS. The launch of the Providing Access To Holistic Supports (PATHS) program expands CIS services to ACC campuses for the first time, offering case management, mentoring, and wraparound supports for students navigating barriers like housing insecurity or parental incarceration. While PATHS supports a specific student cohort, all ACC students can access help through Student Advocacy services.
For Brian, this kind of support made all the difference.
Now, with graduation ahead of him and a future in the automotive field within reach, Brian says he’s grateful for CIS, for ACC, and for the community that helped him stay the course.
Brian joins more than 4,000 students invited to participate in ACC’s Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony, where the College will celebrate one of its largest graduating classes to date. Join us in celebrating Brian and all our graduates by sharing a message on the Congrats Grads Padlet Wall at austincc.edu/commencement.