Direct to College Career Scholars

Photo collage of ACC students.

For priority consideration, please apply by May 1. 

Jumpstart Your Career

Career Scholars provides all-inclusive support for graduating high school seniors wanting to begin a career immediately after graduating from Austin Community College. Participants work toward a certificate or associate degree in a field that was identified by the Texas Workforce Commission as having high demand and earning potential. As a Career Scholar, you’ll get a world-class education, the opportunity to work with industry mentors, and up to $5,000.

How It Works

  • Get $5,000 disbursed over a period of up to 3 years. 
  • Enroll full-time at ACC for the fall semester after high school.
  • Complete a workforce credential within three years.
  • Complete the FAFSA/TASFA annually.
  • Receive hands-on, wraparound support and access to scholarship advocates, academic advisors, career mentors, and faculty.
  • Get to know your peers by participating in a learning community. 
  • Be an active member of the ACC community by attending growth and professional development workshops and enrichment activities throughout the year.
  • Inspire future Career Scholars by serving as a program ambassador. 

Who Is Eligible

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

  1. Be a graduating senior from any high school within the ACC service area.
  2. Be TSI complete in English and Writing, and have a minimum math TSI score of 944, or HB 5 Course Prep Waiver.
  3. Enroll full-time at ACC for the Fall semester after high school.
  4. Must apply for FAFSA or TASFA
  5. Major in one of these career areas:

Arts, Digital Media & Communications

  • Visual Communication – Associate of Applied Science User Experience Design
  • Visual Communication – Level 2 Certificate, Associate of Applied Science (User Experience Design)

Business

  • Accounting/Finance
  • Business Administration
  • Fashion Design
  • Fashion Marketing
  • International Business
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Real Estate
  • Office Administration

Computer Sciences & Information Technology

  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Development
  • Computer Information Technology
  • Computer Science –  Associate of Science
  • Computer Information Systems, Associate of Science
  • Computer Programming (App ACCelerator: Austin Can Code) 

Culinary, Hospitality & Tourism

  • Culinary Arts
  • Hospitality Management (Articulation Agreement with the University of Houston Hilton School for Hotel and Restaurant Management)

Education

  • Education Instruction
  • Exercise Science/Personal Trainer
  • Health and Kinesiology
  • Teacher Certification (TechTeach)

Health Sciences

  • Dental Hygiene 
  • Diagnostic Medical Imaging – Radiology 
  • Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic)
  • General Studies Pre-Health
  • Health Information Technology
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Nursing; LVN, RN, BSN
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Sonography
  • Surgical Technology
  • Veterinary Technician

Design, Manufacturing, Construction & Applied Technologies

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Bachelor of Applied Technology in Manufacturing Engineering Technology
  • Agricultural Science
  • Architecture
  • Architectural & Engineering Computer-Aided Design
  • Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
  • Automotive Technology
  • Building & Construction Technology
  • Engineering Technology
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Geospatial Engineering (Surveying)
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC/HART)
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Welding Technology

Public & Social Services

  • Criminal Justice  – Texas Peace Office, Level 1, Associate of Applied Science 
  • Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement, Level 1 Associate of Applied Science
  • Fire Protection Technology – Firefighter, Level 1 Associate of Applied Science

Science, Engineering & Math

  • Engineering Academy (Partnership with Texas A&M)

Ready to apply? 

To apply for the scholarship, use your ACCeID credentials to sign in to the Academicworks application system and follow the prompts. NOTE: You must have an activated ACCeID and ACC Email prior to applying for this scholarship.

We’re here to help.  

Email us at [email protected] to schedule a meeting with a Career Scholars coordinator or ask questions. 

If you’re a school administrator, please reach out! We’d love to talk to your students about the program. 

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