Austin Community College faculty and staff are invited to attend a symposium, "Latino Perspectives: Characteristics of Today's Latino Students and Strategies for Academic Success," at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday, April 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Latino youth make up the region's largest student population segment and represent the future backbone of the Central Texas workforce," says Dr. Rhodes, ACC President/CEO. "ACC credit enrollment of Latino students has reached 27% of our total enrollment. In light of the Student Success Initiative, the college and its employees must understand and adjust to the opportunities and challenges of today's Latino youth in order to meet their educational needs."

"Latino Perspectives" features a stellar lineup of experts including Patricia Gándara and Frances Contreras, co-authors of the book "The Latino Education Crises: The Consequences of Failed Social Policies." Additional speakers are playwright and author Malin Alegría, and Austin playwright, actor and director Rupert Reyes.

There will be question-and-answer sessions with the speakers and small group discussion to share ideas that will involve ACC students and develop proposals to increase enrollment, retention and completion rates of this emerging student population.

The symposium is free to ACC employees, but registration is limited to 200 participants. Visit austincc.edu/it/workshops to register, and read below for program information.

"Latino Perspectives" is a Student Success Initiative event. Co-sponsors are the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, Cross Campus Program Advisory Committee, OIEA and the Offices of Student Recruitment and Student Success.