San Antonio College recently celebrated the grand opening of the Empowerment Center, an 11,000 SF facility for which Vaughn served as the construction manager-at-risk. This new building features a Transition to College Career Lab, a college enrollment lab, and spacious areas for classes and community gatherings. It also introduces new services, such as parent engagement programs and family rooms for student parents, addressing the need for family-oriented resources. The newly established Dream Center will also provide a dedicated space for student leadership groups to collaborate and plan initiatives.
Dr. Mary Helen Vera, the Director of the Empowerment Center, shared the vision for the enhanced services: “We are going to expand by adding services for military families, career development, and parent outreach. We are seeing an increase in referrals from community organizations, and this new facility allows us to provide tailored support to help individuals transition into college and career pathways.”
The Empowerment Center's programs aim to bridge the gap between community referrals and college enrollment by offering hands-on guidance to those who might otherwise face barriers. This initiative aligns with SAC's mission to foster educational equity and success for all its students.
“The most memorable part of the project was the tight-knit, family atmosphere we created while completing this venture,” said a Vaughn project manager. “Everyone was dedicated to helping the team reach the finish line, and we are proud to deliver this project to San Antonio College.”