Austin Community College Free Tuition Raises Enrollment 40%, Urges Federal Support

Austin Community College Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart testified before a U.S. Senate Committee, highlighting ACC's free tuition program for in-district high school graduates, which has increased enrollment by 40% and improved student retention. He emphasized the importance of such programs in supporting non-traditional students, many of whom work multiple jobs and face significant challenges, and warned against proposed Pell Grant cuts that could affect thousands of students. The ACC model advocates for investing in public community colleges as a means to promote educational equity and economic mobility. Separately, the Huntington Beach nonprofit Amigos de Bolsa Chica awarded scholarships to eight high school seniors from the Long Beach and Orange County areas, supporting their college education and linking the scholarships to environmental education initiatives. Meanwhile, CHI Mercy Hospital announced scholarships to several students pursuing health care-related fields, including nursing and neuroscience, funded through hospital staff initiatives and memorial donations. These varied programs illustrate ongoing efforts across the U.S. to provide financial support and promote access to higher education through scholarships and tuition assistance.