The Austin Community College District (ACC) Honors Program announces a new partnership with the University of Texas-Austin. UT's College of Education has designed two academic and experiential learning opportunities for up to 40 ACC Honors students.

"It has long been a desire of the program to offer our students civic leadership training that will enhance both their transfer opportunities and their resumés," says Dr. Anne-Marie Thomas, ACC Honors Program chair and English professor. "Our partnership with UT's College of Education represents the first of its kind for the Honors Program; we're excited to be able to provide our students with a truly meaningful learning experience that also allows for a deep engagement in restorative practices, both as a form of community building and as a scholarly enterprise."

About the YCS Fellows Program
UT's Youth and Community Studies is offering a series of five free, virtual workshops in spring 2021. The workshops, led by nationally recognized UT faculty members Dr. Molly Wiebe and Dr. Lorna Hermosura, provide ACC Honors students an opportunity to learn about community building, restorative practices, and civic leadership.

Those who complete the workshops will receive a certificate of completion and transfer advising. Participants also are invited to apply for a paid internship with GEAR UP. Selected students will serve as mentors and camp counselors to high school students participating in a UT summer enrichment program. Counselors will assist in leading workshops, lessons, and team-building activities throughout the camp.

The experiential learning opportunity allows YCS Fellows to apply their newly acquired analytical skills and techniques for community building and engagement. ACC interns will work alongside UT faculty and staff and will receive a field-based learning certificate.

To learn more about the ACC Honors Program, visit austincc.edu/honors.