“In the end, the American dream is not a sprint or even a marathon, but a relay. Our families don’t always cross the finish line in the span of one generation. But each generation passes on to the next the fruits of their labor.”
~Julian Castro
AVANCE to College
Strengthening Futures Through Education
Launched in 2021, the innovative AVANCE to College program builds on the foundational support of AVANCE’s core Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP) to impact families' immediate and long-term economic mobility. In collaboration with local community colleges, AVANCE to College supports caregivers – including expecting mothers, parents, extended family, and foster families – in becoming their child's first teachers at home while also introducing them to the possibilities and opportunities for continued education and workforce upskilling.
"AVANCE really exceeded my expectations by 100% because I thought it was just about topics for moms and kids with child care, and it turned out to be much more. Besides that, they also help you to excel academically. So when I realized all the programs they offer, even after AVANCE to College, I said, 'Wow, it really is more than I expected!'"
-Mayra Marquez, AVANCE to College 2024 Graduate
Why AVANCE to College?
By 2027, Latino/a students will make up 30% of the K-12 public school population.
Parents’ educational levels are strongly associated with their child’s academic achievement.
Many Latino/a adults have started but never completed a degree program, and many more have never even considered postsecondary education.
The AVANCE to College program engages entire families in the educational process, building on their strengths, nurturing family bonds, and empowering caregivers and children with the knowledge and skills to succeed in education and beyond.
How it Works
Through the partnership with local community colleges, AVANCE to College is offered as a non-credit bearing course so that when caregivers enroll in the program, they become registered college students. Over the course of nine months, caregivers attend weekly sessions on campus, where they receive tailored support, including:
Culturally responsive parenting education that supports the development of responsive parenting skills
A safe space to learn about managing time, setting goals, and creating a social support network
High-quality early childhood education and child care opportunities
Access to on-campus resources, such as academic advising, college readiness workshops, and financial aid guidance
Program Impact
In 2023-2024, AVANCE to College served 47 Participants, of whom 95% are Hispanic/Latino.
97%
of graduates were enrolled in education courses and/or a workforce program shortly after graduation
78%
demonstrated an increase in parent empowerment
73%
reported an increase in social connectedness
89%
demonstrated an increase in positive parent-child interactions
Ready to enroll?
AVANCE to College is currently offered through El Paso Community College in El Paso, TX and through Austin Community College in Austin, TX.
Interested in bringing AVANCE to College to your community?
Implementing the AVANCE to College program allows partners to receive comprehensive training, recruitment support, ongoing coaching, technical assistance, and evaluation support. Contact us today to learn how you can leverage our expertise, resources, and support to create a lasting impact for local families for generations to come.