The ACC Foundation - Making It Happen
By Sydney Hildenburg
At Alvin Community College, transformation happens every day鈥攁nd behind the scenes, the ACC Foundation is often the driving force. With a mission to support the growth and success of ACC students, staff, and the college itself, the Foundation raises funds year-round through events and generous donations. The goal? To ensure that ACC students have every opportunity and resource they need to thrive.
Here鈥檚 a look at some of the meaningful ways the Foundation made an impact during the 2024鈥2025 academic year:
Opening Doors: The First Step Award
The First Step Award continues to inspire new beginnings. Created to encourage students to take their very first college course, this scholarship saw a record number of applicants this year. In total, $135,000 was awarded to 270 first-time students beginning their higher education journey. A follow-up survey revealed that the majority of recipients said the award directly influenced their decision to enroll at ACC鈥攁 powerful testament to the difference even one class can make.
Honoring a Life: Ivan鈥檚 Boots Scholarship
AIn Spring 2025, the Foundation proudly introduced a heartfelt new scholarship: Ivan鈥檚 Boots. Established by Tiffany and Jeremiah Ermenc in memory of their son, Ivan鈥攚ho tragically passed away just days into his first job. The scholarship honors his excitement for industrial work and the pride he felt about buying his first pair of steel-toe boots. In Ivan鈥檚 honor, multiple $250 awards are given to students in ACC鈥檚 industrial programs to help purchase essential boots or tools as they prepare to enter the workforce. This meaningful tribute ensures Ivan鈥檚 legacy supports others chasing the same dream.
Lending a Hand: The MaSH Scholarship
Michael and Susan Hoover, longtime supporters of ACC, launched the new MaSH Scholarship this year to help students who just need a little support to stay on track. Many ACC students are hardworking and committed, but face unforeseen challenges鈥攃ar trouble, medical issues, or family responsibilities鈥攖hat can threaten their ability to continue school. The Hoovers wanted to make sure that when life gets tough, students don鈥檛 have to choose between education and survival. Thanks to their generosity, several students received assistance during the MaSH Scholarship鈥檚 inaugural year.
Crisis Support: Emergency Fund
The Foundation鈥檚 Emergency Fund continues to be a lifeline for students facing obstacles to their education. Whether it鈥檚 help with car repairs, a utility bill, temporary housing, or even a bicycle to get to class, these small but vital grants are often the difference between staying enrolled or dropping out. Working hand-in-hand with ACC鈥檚 dedicated counselors, the Foundation ensures students in crisis are quickly connected with the resources they need.
Fighting Food Insecurity: The Student Resource Center
When ACC鈥檚 counseling team saw the growing need for basic student support, they teamed up with the Foundation to create a centralized Student Resource Center, launched in Fall 2024. Designed as a 鈥渙ne-stop shop,鈥 the center offers snacks, school supplies, clothing, toiletries, and more鈥攁ll free to students in need.
To expand the center鈥檚 reach, counselors and the Foundation applied for a $5,000 grant from TDECU, a committed community partner, gladly awarded the grant. The funding allowed for the purchase of a refrigerator, freezer, food bins, and canned goods displays鈥攖ransforming the center into a place where students experiencing food insecurity can access fresh, nutritious food. Thanks to a new partnership with the Houston Food Bank, those shelves will stay stocked, and hungry students will have one less thing to worry about.
So many remarkable things are happening at ACC thanks to the support of the ACC Foundation鈥攁nd you can be part of that impact. The ACC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Your contribution could be the difference that helps a student take their first step, stay in school, or cross the graduation stage.
On behalf of the ACC Foundation Board, thank you for believing in our mission and helping us Make It Happen at ACC!
To learn more or help the Foundation continue its mission through a donation, contact us:
- 281-756-3600
- accfoundation@alvincollege.edu
- The ACC Foundation
Other Ways to Give:
- Donate to Support the Emergency Fund
- Give an Honorary or Memorial Gift
- Establish a New Scholarship
- Request Corporate Matching Gifts
- Offer Program Support monetarily or with an equipment donation