Joe Wyatt
Published November 1, 2016

Each November, colleges across Texas celebrate adult-education initiatives – the kind aimed at putting people to work or into better jobs – through a variety of events collectively called Accelerate TEXAS.

Accelerate TexasAmarillo College will observe Accelerate Texas Week (Nov. 6-12) with an Industry Showcase from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 10 on three campuses.

Accelerate Texas is an initiative funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). It is designed to integrate basic skills with career and technical pathways to help adult students acquire skills and certificates in high-demand occupations, which is just what AC’s Industry Showcase is intended promote.

The Showcase is sponsored by AC’s Academic Success Division. The event will introduce adult students – those who are presently studying English as a Second Language or pursuing GED credentials, or attending college-readiness courses – to academic certificate programs into which they can transition seamlessly.

Depending on their interests, students can choose in-depth exploration of career opportunities presented by specific programs at these locations:

  • EAST CAMPUS – Industrial Technology, Automotive Technology, Wind Energy and Solar Energy
  • WASHINGTON STREET CAMPUS – Business Management, Hospitality/Food Management, Legal Aid and Office Administration
  • WEST CAMPUS – Patient Care Tech, Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy

Students interested in the Industry Showcase are asked to register for it in the Ware Student Commons, Room 305, on the Washington Street Campus.

“We know that many adult learners in the state are not prepared to enter college and succeed,” says David Gardner, THECB deputy commissioner. “THECB and our Accelerate Texas colleges are changing all that. We’re showing how integrating basic skills and workforce training can help adult learners earn credentials.”

For more information about Accelerate Texas Week or the Industry Showcase at AC, please call Michelle Lamons, director of AEL instruction, at 371-5204.

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