Enrollment is CLOSED for Term 1. Our application will reopen September 2nd at 8:00AM, for Term 2.
Want to learn more about Ability to Benefit?
No High School Diploma? No Problem!
The Ability to Benefit Program gives eligible adult learners the opportunity to take college credit courses for select in-demand careers, even though they do not have a high school diploma yet! The program also helps them to gain early access to federal student aid.
Are You Eligible?
To participate in the Ability to Benefit (ATB) program, you must:
- Upload an acceptable eligibility ID document (examples: Texas Driver’s License with Real ID, U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate, Permanent Resident Card)
- Qualify for federal student aid
- Attend and successfully complete a pre-college seminar course
- Be a Texas resident (living in Texas for at least 12 months)
- Reside within the ACC Service Area
- Not have a high school diploma or GED
- Not be TSI-complete (if you are complete in one area, that is okay)
- For non-native speakers of English: Exhibit English proficiency on a standardized test
If you are a current High School Equivalency student, meeting the above eligibility criteria, and interested in ATB, please reach out to us at [email protected]. If you already have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, please contact an Adult Education advisor to explore alternative options.
You must first enroll in a pre-college seminar class. The class covers a variety of college readiness topics and also includes career exploration. Upon successful completion of this class, you will be eligible to have your first two college credit courses paid for by Career Pathways (while funding lasts).
As a new ATB student, you will select a Level 1 certificate to pursue from the list below. The ATB coordinator will work with you to complete the registration processes. Due to earning passing scores on the ATB Accuplacer, you will be able to utilize federal student aid to help with paying your tuition and fees and any required textbooks/materials needed for your college credit courses. ACC students are also eligible for a free Capital Metro Green Pass.
Step 3 – Study, Sleep, Class, Repeat!
While in the Ability to Benefit program, you are expected to:
- Check your ACC email regularly (once per day is recommended)
- Arrive to/join class on time
- Actively participate in class
- Complete assignments according to deadlines
- Earn grades of C or better in all college credit coursework
- Attend support classes/workshops
If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be ineligible to continue in the program.
Level 1 Certificate options
*You may choose only ONE free training from all Career Pathways options.
Business Pathways
Computer Science & Information Technology Pathways
Design, Manufacturing, Construction, and Applied Technologies Pathways
Note: A prior criminal conviction could keep you from obtaining the state license required for certain careers. If you have a question about your background and licensure, contact Career Pathways staff to setup an appointment. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.
Back to Top