Educational Programs

The Austin Academy offers several programs that help adults prepare for the workplace and/or for college. Potential participants come to an orientation session on Thursdays at 10:30am or 5:30pm to learn about the programs and to take an initial test. Then a longer test, the TABE, is taken shortly thereafter and the potential participant is placed on one of our programs. The programs include Adult Basic Education, GED Preparation with Job Readiness Training, Job Readiness Training, and the Texas Dropout Recovery Pilot Program. (please add links to each program description below.) Some participants come to the Austin Academy from the Veteran’s Affairs office and some through the Worksource REM program. Participants must meet income eligibility requirements and thus are not charged for the programs

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program is for people who score between the 3rd grade and 8th grade levels on the TABE test. These classes focus on Reading and Math. They are held at the Booker T Washington Terrace location and are held Monday-Friday 8:30am-3:00pm. Students who complete the ABE program are ABE certified and are eligible to start the GED preparation classes.

Job Readiness Training includes learning a variety of skills and strategies to obtain and retain employment as well as computer literacy. Classes Include Business Communications, Computer Literacy, Job Search Skills, Business Math, Resume Writing, and Interviewing Skills. A full-time Job Developer is on staff and will assist each participant with finding permanent employment at a livable wage.
Computer Literacy is provided for those who are interested in brushing up on their computer skills or establishing new computer skills. Basic Instruction Includes:

• Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)
• Windows
• Internet Basics
• Email
• Basic Word Processing/Keyboarding
• File Sharing

A participant support specialist is assigned to each participant with the goal of identifying and eliminating barriers. Services provided could include referral services, childcare assistance, transportation assistance, and shelter. Empowerment classes are also provided to help participants acquire new skills and learn about options available to them.