DACC launches ELEVATE 2.0 pathway from GED to career certificates
Danville Area Community College (DACC) has launched its ELEVATE 2.0 Program within its Adult Education Department, an innovative initiative designed to fast-track motivated individuals from earning an Illinois High School Diploma to attaining industry-recognized college certificates.
The program is funded through a $225,000 Innovative Bridge Transitions Grant from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), this program runs from Jan. 1 through March 30, 2026.
Accelerated Learning for a Brighter Future
The program begins with an intensive, accelerated GED course starting March 31. Over 12 weeks, participants will engage in focused subject pods covering math, language arts, social studies, and science — with each three-week block culminating in a subject-matter test. Recognizing the rigorous pace, DACC seeks students who are not only at least 16 years old (17 prior to testing) but also demonstrate a minimum sixth grade reading proficiency and a strong personal commitment, as confirmed through an in-person interview.
For those who require an alternative timeline, an additional 8-week accelerated GED course is available during the summer session (June 23 through Aug. 15), dedicating two weeks to each subject area.
From Diploma to Industry-Ready Certificates
Upon successful completion of all four subject areas and the receipt of an Illinois High School Diploma, program graduates become eligible for a variety of college-level certificate courses. These include in-demand fields such as Public Health Billing Management, CDL Truck Driving, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Welding, Maintenance Mechanic (Manufacturing), Auto Mechanic, Culinary Arts, Direct Service Professional (DSP), Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and the Child Development Associate (CDA credential). While the majority of these college courses are slated to commence in the fall, participants who complete at least two subject tests can take advantage of shorter-term courses like CDL Truck Driving and Direct Service Professional (DSP) sooner.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
'Enrolling in the ELEVATE Program offers participants the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and a college-level certificate which is an invaluable investment in their future. It opens doors, accelerates the student's education, and prepares them for success in the classroom and the workforce. In today's world, a high school diploma alone is no longer sufficient; higher education, whether through traditional routes or high-demand vocational careers, is essential for unlocking lasting success and opportunity,' said Chantal Savage Bryant, Director of Adult Education and Literacy at DACC.
Application Process and Support Services
Interested applicants must complete a placement test and participate in an in-person interview. Selected students will receive program related benefits and access to support services designed to help overcome any obstacles that might impede their success.To be considered for this transformative opportunity, prospective participants should contact Steffanie Higgins at 217-443-8782 or via email at s.higgins@dacc.edu by Wednesday, March 26, to arrange their testing and interview.
Danville Area Community College's ELEVATE 2.0 Program represents a significant stride towards educational and workforce advancement for adult learners, equipping them with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in today's competitive job market.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Potomac gives Make-A-Wish teen a taste of the islands
POTOMAC, Ill. (WCIA) — One Vermillion County village is banding together, giving a Make-A-Wish recipient a sendoff for her dream vacation. And, they brought the beach theme from more than 4,000 miles away. It was a rainy day in Central Illinois, but you could still find a slice of the island life in Potomac. The village's grade school hosted a sendoff for Aleyah Carley, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2022. DACC extends contract of interim President amidst search for permanent candidate 'I was scared, anxious, all that because I was going to be gone from my family for a while,' Carley said. 'We weren't really sure what all of it meant.' What followed was more than a year of traveling, treatment and trials. 'It's very exhausting,' said Aleyah's mother, Theresa Carley, 'It's, you know, a lot of sleepless nights wondering what the next day's going to bring.' After a few rounds of chemo and a bone marrow transplant, Aleyah is feeling better. But one social worker gave her a suggestion to give the 16-year-old an extra boost. They suggested applying for the Make-A-Wish program, which the family did in 2023. And last year, she learned that her wish would be granted. 'I was very excited,' Aleyah said. 'It's kind of like a shock … I was like, 'Wow, this is really happening.'' Vermilion Advantage gets grant to create jobs, improve economy In just a few days, Aleyah is going to get to take the trip of a lifetime. But for now, she gets a little taste of the island life. 'I chose Hawaii because I feel like that's like a once in a lifetime type thing that I want to be able to do again,' Aleyah said. The Carley's will be heading to Oahu this Sunday, but her Make-A-Wish sponsors wanted to celebrate with her at home as well. 'Our community has done so much for us over the past couple of years and supported us and encouraged us,' Theresa said. 'And now that we're in a really good spot, we really want to celebrate with them.' Aleyah said her and her family plan visit the Pearl Harbor Museum and explore the island, but what she's most looking forward to is relaxing and resetting after fighting the disease. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Yahoo
WV Division of Motor Vehicles improves CDL medical certification process
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that residents holding a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in West Virginia will not be required to submit a Medical Examiner's Certificate to the DMV. According to a press release, the medical provider that performs the evaluation will enter the information into a secure database, which will then be sent to the DMV. Through the process, providers have until the end of business on the day after the exam to put the information in the database. The process is set to begin on June 23, 2025. Fayette County veteran honored with bridge dedication Because of this, CDL holders will not need to provide a paper copy of their examination to the DMV. While it can still be gotten from the provider, it will not be necessary to submit the certificate to the DMV. The purpose of the change is to assist drivers in updating their medical records faster and more accurately, which reduces the risk of issues that arise from an outdated medical card. The DMV urges all CDL holders to keep current with their medical certifications to make sure their services are not interrupted. No paper medical certificates will be accepted by the DMV after June 23, 2025, the release stated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
27-05-2025
- CBS News
Detroit animal rescue group begins coloring page promotion featuring adoptable dogs
Adoptable dogs at Detroit Animal Care and Control are now depicted in coloring pages to help get the attention of those who wish to pick one as their pet. The program, Color Me Adopted, uses artificial intelligence technology to redesign photos of the animals into black and white drawings in the style of coloring book pages. "The hope is that the overwhelming cuteness of these portraits will inspire people to come to DACC to meet and adopt the dogs," the announcement said. Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control is a Detroit-based, 100% volunteer-run, nonprofit organization. The group explained in a statement posted May 13 that the organization no longer has liability insurance because Friends of DACC was named in a lawsuit. "We want to clarify that the dog involved in this litigation was never in FoDACC's care programming, and we were not involved in its placement or management. FoDACC is working to reinstate our insurance from this technicality and resolve the litigation," the notice said. While those who wish to adopt a dog still can visit the DACC facility at 1431 E. Ferry Street, the circumstances have throttled many promotional efforts. This includes its traditional series of offsite adoption events, Detroit Dogventures and Storytimes. The agency currently has 300 dogs either housed in its Ferry Street shelter or in previously contracted foster settings. "The Color Me Adopted initiative is just one of the ways the organization is helping to get the adorable faces of the amazing dogs at DACC get out into the world and to encourage adoptions at DACC. The group has also increased social media marketing, videos of dogs, and other ways to raise awareness," the agency said. To participate in the coloring page project, go to select one or more of the black and white images to download. Then color the image and share your designs with others. "Hand them out to family and friends; post at your office, school, or church; and post to your social media channels - anything that will help bring attention to the adorable dogs available at DACC," the press release said.
