Killeen, TX- Seven Central Texas College (CTC)

students traveled to Austin on February 3, 2025, to participate in

Community College Day.  The event, sponsored by the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC), brings hundreds of students from throughout the state to meet with their elected officials regarding issues that directly impact higher education.  Accompanying the students were CTC Chancellor Michele Carter, Vice Chancellor Tamara Clunis, and Professor Chastity Clemons.
 

The day started with a rally, which included speakers from the TACC and State Representative Gary VanDeaver emphasizing the importance of higher education and legislative support. Following the rally, the group scheduled meetings with the office staff of Representative Brad Buckley, Senator Pete Flores, and Representative Hillary Hickland.

The trip served as an empowering introduction to civic engagement, as individual meetings provided students with an in-depth look into policymaking and the legislative process.  Students shared concerns, including mental health resources, a smoother transition to a four-year university, and college transfer credits.

 

The students said they felt they accomplished something meaningful by having their voices heard. 

During their meetings with legislative offices, they presented leave-behind packets outlining their key concerns and issues that they hoped the state government would address when it comes to community college students.  They had the opportunity to discuss these matters directly with legislative staffers, who took notes and assured them they would brief their respective legislators and advocate on their behalf. 

 

For most of them, they felt the experience was empowering, reinforcing that their voices and concerns matter.  Knowing that decision-makers and those with the power to enact change were listening made the trip feel both impactful and worthwhile. 

 

“It is important that our students have their voices heard during the legislative process whereby they can advocate for their educational needs,” said Dr. Carter. “We are proud of the students who represented the Central Texas College student body at Community College Day and we are confident that their advocacy will positively impact community colleges in Texas.”