A wealth of knowledge awaits students this fall at Amarillo College, where an excellent faculty is poised to help propel budding scholars to the most favorable academic outcomes.

But success in higher education is not solely dependent on academic success.

Life issues that arise from jobs, childcare, relationships, finances, illness and more, do crop up unexpectedly, sidetracking students from their scholarly pursuits, impeding their college success.

That is why some non-faculty at AC also are prepared this fall to offer a wealth of knowledge, but theirs is about readily available resources designed to help students overcome life issues and get on with the business of education.

AC’s Billie Bee Flesher Advocacy & Resource Center (ARC) is located on the first floor of the Ware Student Commons on the Washington Street Campus. There students will find free, in-house resources such as the AC Food Pantry and the Clothing Closet – a bagful of groceries might tide a family over until payday; an addition to one’s wardrobe might tip the scales at a job interview.

Moreover, because the ARC was conceived to assist and guide students who run into problems outside the classroom, stumbling blocks that may adversely affect their performance inside the classroom, it is also a discerning hub of vital community-resource information.

The ARC, which recently expanded to incorporate AC's Adult Student Services into its mix, steers students to any number of local organizations designed to address precisely the tribulations they face. Establishment of the ARC is a reflection of AC’s commitment to a systemic approach to helping students overcome poverty-related barriers. 

This is a fact not lost on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which in 2015 singled out AC’s No Excuses Poverty Initiative as one of seven statewide finalists for a prestigious Star Award.

“At AC we recognize that our students are not just students, but also parents, spouses, brothers and sisters who wear many hats and have many responsibilities,” Jordan Herrera, Social Services director, said. “We want them to know, especially at times when they’re trying to keep their heads above water, we’re here to help them, not just through school, but through life.

“Social Services and the ARC exist to support our students,” she said. “This is a safe place where everybody is welcome and students who are having problems are not alone. Striking a balance between the challenges of college and life isn’t always easy, but we have some unique strategies for helping our students stay in school and finish what they started.”

For students in need, AC clearly has the know-how and wherewithal.

For more information about the ARC and Social Services at Amarillo College, please call (806) 371-5439 or visit actx.edu/socialservices. 

Donations of nonperishable food items and gently used adult business apparel always are welcome.

July 29, 2016