ACC STRIVE Commencement

The Alvin Community College Skilled Training Rewarding Independence and Vocational Education (STRIVE) recently held their Commencement ceremony on May 13.

This the 10^th year for the STRIVE Program which provides Vocational Training for adults with intellectual disabilities with an end goal of transitioning students into the workforce. Fifteen of graduates received their certificates during the ceremony.

Commencement speaker Rev. Suzanne Smith talked about how STRIVE students are active in the community such as providing much-needed assistance with the Grace Episcopal Church Mobile Food Pantry program since it began.

“You worked together as a group along with the rest of the community to do something really amazing,” Smith said. “You have been part of this ministry since the beginning and you have helped build it to what it is now. Just know how special that is to me. You’ve made something better because you were there.”

The program matches students with internships and job opportunities that are aligned with their capabilities and interests. They are encouraged to find employment before graduation in order to get the most out of their experience.

STRIVE students are active on campus and off campus. They work in the community garden, restock the Blessing Boxes, assist the ACC athletics teams as well as local organizations such as the Grace Episcopal Church in Alvin, Alvin Volunteer Fire Department and more.

To learn more about the STRIVE program, visit www.alvincollege.edu/cewd/strive.html.

-30-

Photo cutlines:

STRIVE grad 1

ACC STRIVE graduate Zacheriah Fitts receives his certificate from President Dr. Robert J. Exley during the STRIVE Commencement ceremony on May 13.

STRIVE grad 2

ACC STRIVE graduate Alan Lopez waves to family members during the STRIVE Commencement ceremony on May 13.

STRIVE grad 3

ACC STRIVE grad Taylor Frampton gets help with her tassel with classmate Kirstin Stanley before the STRIVE Commencement ceremony on May 13.

STRIVE grad 4

ACC STRIVE graduates wave to family members during the STRIVE Commencement ceremony on May 13.

STRIVE grad 5

Grace Episcopal Church Rev. Suzanne Smith delivers the Commencement address at the STRIVE graduation ceremony on May 13.

STRIVE grad 6

Kirstin Stanley gets a hug from a loved one following the STRIVE Commencement ceremony on May 13.