HCC Vast Academy honored at 2015 Star Awards

Dec 9, 2015

 ‌‌The VAST Academy at Houston Community College (HCC) was honored as a finalist during the 2015 Star Awards in Austin.

“It was an honor to be chosen as one of 7 finalists out of the close to 50 nominees,” said Sue Moraska, VAST Academy director.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Star Awards honor community colleges for their exceptional contributions toward meeting one or more of the goals of the soon-to-be-completed Texas higher education plan, Closing the Gaps by 2015.

“These finalists represent the state’s most effective efforts for closing the education gaps that challenge our state,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Raymund Paredes. “The Coordinating Board is proud to recognize the people and the institutions that implement these programs, as well as the organizations and others who support them.”

The Star Awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the 2015 Texas Higher Education Leadership Conference focusing on 60x30TX, the next long-range strategic plan for Texas higher education. Moraska, along with fellow directors Sammy Leaston and Francine Melton-Bryant attended the STAR Award Ceremony then the Access College Texas Conference where they presented on the VAST Academy program and shared best practices. HCC is an Access College Texas consortium member.

“The purpose of this conference is to raise awareness of the importance creating more access to post-secondary programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities” said Moraska.

The HCC VAST Academy, which stands for Vocational Advancement and Skills Training, was established 25 years ago. VAST provides post-secondary transition programs and comprehensive support services which lead to meaningful credentials, employment and independence for differently-abled individuals. Students who go through the program are able to participate in internships through partnerships with more than 60 employers across the Houston area.

For more information about the HCC VAST Academy, visit vast.hccs.edu.