Dr. Francisco Solis talks with Hot Mustard about the Empowerment Center. The center helps non-traditional students such as first-generation students, student parents, and English language learners, enter college.

Dr. Helen Vera, Director of the Empowerment Center, talks about her history with the Empowerment Center and the programs offered. The center first opened in March 1981 as the Women’s Center. Its original mission to help women who needed to enter college to help them gain education and independence. Later the center’s mission expanded to help all adults who wanted to come to college after years away from school.

Michelle Tovar, SAC student, talks about her experience with the Empowerment Center. She also discusses the importance of scholarships and the opportunities she has access to because of the Empowerment Center.

The Empowerment Center offers a College Enrollment Lab, Academic Advising, Leadership Development, and Scholarship Assistance for students. The center also sponsors special observations and activities for students throughout the year. Recently, they held several events in October to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Every year the center holds the WE Conference. for the past 22 years. The conference usually includes keynote speakers and breakaway workshops that focus on developing leadership abilities. This opportunity also offers qualifying participants scholarships to continue their education at SAC. The conference is now open to all students, not just women.

San Antonio College Empowerment Center: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/empowermentcenter