ACC offers Mexican American history

Alvin Community College is ramping up for the start of the new school year with new personnel, a new history course and a renewed focus on the college’s mission of empowering students to succeed.

Classes begin on Aug. 24 at the college, located at 3110 Mustang Road in Alvin.

In a first for the college, ACC is offering a “Second Start” registration for students who are unable to complete the first one. “Second Start” registration will take place from Aug. 25 through Sept. 11, with classes starting Sept. 21.

About 5,000 students are projected to enroll for the 2015-16 school year, roughly 100 more than last school year, said John Tompkins, ACC’s communications coordinator.

The college is offering a new class this year on Mexican American history, providing an in-depth look at the influence of Hispanics in the region. History instructor Andrew Pegoda will lead the class.

“Students will finish the courses with a new appreciation about the ways in which Hispanic peoples and cultures influenced the U.S. as it is today,” Pegoda said.

The discussion-based classes will explore cultural, economic, political, and social developments until approximately 1900, he said.

Meanwhile, ACC is bringing aboard some new personnel this year, including a dean of academics, dean of continuing education work-force development and dean of technology programs.

Also coming in will be a vice president of student services and a vice presi- dent of instruction — a new position, Tompkins said.

ACC is staying true to its twofold mission of help- ing students who want to transfer to a four-year uni- versity and assisting oth- ers to land a career as soon as possible, he said. Fast- track career paths at the college include welding, pipe fitting, truck driving and industrial design.

Also in hot demand, Tompkins said, are healthrelated careers for massage therapists, dental assistants, certified medical assistants and certified nursing assistants. Many of the career-related courses take a year to complete, Tompkins said.

“We have a strong relationship with industry, and some of our students are hired even before they finish the courses,” Tompkins said.

ACC also is offering an eight-week mini-semester, with registration running from Aug. 25 through Oct. 8 and classes beginning on Oct. 15. A four-week mini-semester is also planned, with registration from Oct. 29 through Dec. 10, and classes begin Dec. 14.

To register for classes to or learn more about the Mexican-American history course, call 281-756-3500 or visit www.alvincollege.edu/registration.