In an environment of brotherhood, the Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy develops scholars who are empathetic, service-oriented problem-solvers—lifelong learners who succeed in high school, college, career and life.

The academy was established in 2014, and named after Gustavo L. 'Gus' Garcia.

Gustavo L. 'Gus' Garcia 

Gus Garcia has demonstrated his dedication to public service,and in particular, his commitment to equity of access to education for all children. Mr. Garcia was named CPA of the Year – Austin Chapter of CPAs in 1977, and was the President of the Austin Chapter of CPAs and the Director of the Texas Society of CPAs in 1969. After a successful career in Accounting, Mr. Garcia shifted his attention toward education. In 1972, Gus Garcia was elected to the Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees, making him the first Hispanic to serve on the Board. He served as Board President from 1977 to 1978.

As a board member, Mr. Garcia encouraged the district to hire more Hispanic and African American teachers and administrators, and to award more school construction projects to minority contractors. He also worked on multiple initiatives to increase parent involvement and community development within the City of Austin.

After serving on the Austin Independent School District School Board, Mr. Garcia began his work with the Austin City Council and was elected Mayor in November 2001, becoming the city's first elected Hispanic mayor.During the 10 years with the Austin City Council, Mr. Garcia served on the judicial subcommittee, the audit and finance committee, and the legislative committee. He was also a member of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning organization, the Community Justice Council, the Texas Municipal League Legislative committee, the Joint City of Austin/AISD Board of Trustees committee and the Joint City of Austin/Travis County Commissioners committee.

Mr. Garcia has received multiple honors for his work for the residents of the city of Austin, including the Lifetime Achievement Award-Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2009, and the Reonocimiento OHTLI Award presented by Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Relations (Trail Blazer Award) in 1996. In 1984, the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce named him Businessman of the Year and in 1992 he received the LULAC Award for Political Involvement/Education.

Gus Garcia graduated from The University of Texas at Austin where he received an undergraduate degree in accounting in 1959 and, two years later, became a Certified Public Accountant.

Mr. Garcia married Marina Gonzalez in 1957 and together they have three sons and five grandchildren.