Institution San Antonio College State Texas Academic Level Associate Issue Area Academic Program Website https://www.alamo.edu/sac/honors-academy/ Key Personnel Laurie Coleman Program Focus College Prep, Honors Overview The San Antonio College Honors Academy Program provides underserved community college students—a majority of whom are Latino—honors-designated core courses, comprehensive academic services, one-on-one guidance by dedicated professors/advisors, scholarship and transfer support. The Honors Academy Program seeks to increase the number of underserved students who receive an associate degree and transfer to a four-year university. Program Description Established in 2012, the Academy was founded to replace the former honors program that served just a few dozen students. In 2012, the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund awarded a 3-year grant to support a new focus on recruiting a larger, more diverse population of students, particularly those in neighboring inner-city, at-risk Title I/III schools which are 60-90% Latino. The Academy offers specialized honors curriculum centered on identity, communication, teamwork, marketable skills, critical thinking, and research. Participants receive intrusive advising/mentoring that emphasizes clear pathways to graduation/transfer and are offered workshops on transfer admissions, career choice, stress/time management, scholarships, and internships. Aside from taking honors-designated core subject courses to earn honors course equivalencies, students can complete semester-long experiential learning opportunities. Participants also have access to an Honors Center with study space, 20 computers, a printer, lounge area, kitchenette, and faculty offices for advising and engagement. The Academy also offers a Strategies for Success course emphasizing time management, grit, fluid intelligence, and goal setting for participants whose GPA falls below 3.25. Outcome Increased 3-year graduation: Of the Academy’s Fall 2016 cohort, 42% of program participants graduated in 3 years compared to only 28% of non-program participants. Of the Academy’s Fall 2015 cohort, 49% of program participants graduated in 3 years compared to only 29% of non-program participants. Increased 6-year transfer: Of the Academy’s Fall 2013 cohort, 46% of program participants transferred within 6 years compared to the institutional average of 30%. Of the Academy’s Fall 2012 cohort, 73% of program participants transferred within 6 years compared to the institutional average of 30%. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Texas Return to Growing What Works Database
