TITLE: Honoring the STEPS Program at Austin Community College for its leadership in postsecondary education for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SUMMARY: Honoring the STEPS Program at Austin Community College for its leadership in postsecondary education for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The STEPS Program at Austin Community College has benefited Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than a decade; and WHEREAS, In 2004, STEPS was established at the ACC Highland Business Center to provide a college experience to adults with different learning abilities; it originally encompassed just three classes provided by a single instructor, but under the guidance of program director Mariah Lossing, it has expanded to offer vocational training and more extensive postsecondary educational enrichment, and it has become a model for several prospective programs across the state; and WHEREAS, The initiative now offers comprehensive services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at its original location and also at the Pinnacle, Hays, and Round Rock campuses; over the past five years, enrollment has increased by 370 percent; more than 80 percent of graduates are employed, and some 22 percent of current students hold part-time jobs; the program's staff of eight includes two STEPS alumni; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, STEPS has helped students achieve their fullest potential as happy, productive citizens of the Lone Star State, and in so doing, it is making a positive impact in their lives and in the community as a whole; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby honor the STEPS Program at Austin Community College for its leadership in postsecondary education for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and extend to all those associated with the program sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the program as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Naishtat Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 3260 was adopted by the House on May 29, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House