On Feb. 3, the Austin Community College board of trustees approved an interlocal agreement with the city of Austin, which owns the center, to offer ESL classes and potentially other adult education courses at the center, which is located at 8401 Cameron Road, Austin.
Trustee Sean Hassan said the decision is an example of ACC moving toward its goal of providing equity across the community college’s district.
“We tend to think of equity in broad strokes. It generally isn't [broad]. It’s getting into the community and making sure those with the least access have [access to] our courses,” Hassan said.
In October, the city approved an ordinance authorizing a waiver for up to $6,885 in rental fees and approval of the agreement with ACC to allow the community college to use the space. According to the interlocal agreement, ACC has received grant funding to provide adult education courses at city facilities, including the Asian American Resource Center.
The interlocal agreement describes the ESL classes that will be held at the center.
"These are survival classes for beginner students who primarily want to learn English for everyday life, employment skills enhancement, and to assist in situations such as obtaining housing, shopping, and communicating at work," the agreement said.
The Asian American Resource Center opened in 2013 and provides many spaces, such as a computer lab, commercial kitchen, community meeting rooms and a ballroom, that are free and open to the public.
The college did not provide a date on which the courses would begin.
