FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONGRESSMAN VIRGIL GOODE

BRINGS FUNDING NEWS TO DCC

            DANVILLE, VA, May 15, 2006 -- Fifth District Congressman Virgil Goode made his way to

Congressman Goode presents check to DCC President Dr. Carlyle Ramsey.	President Ramsey, right, presents Congressman Goode with a copy of the book, The History of Danville Community College: A Link to the Past, A Bridge to the Future.

 Danville Community College today to provide some exciting news. He announced that DCC will be the recipient of a $493,614 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to expand program offerings in Health Care and the Building Construction Trades.

            “These funds represent a significant boost to the area’s economic development by expanding training opportunities in two critical career fields for this region," said DCC President Dr. B. Carlyle Ramsey. “We are grateful to Congressman Goode for his leadership and assistance.”

            The funds will be used to develop a curriculum in the building trades fields, looking at programs such as air conditioning, masonry, electronics, carpentry and plumbing, as well as hire an instructor for the program. DCC currently has a short-term career studies program in building trades that gives students brief exposure to the industry. This new program will expand upon the short-term curriculum and provide a one-year Certificate in building trades.

            Dr. Chris Ezell, Vice President of Academic and Student Services, said the fund also will be used to purchase equipment, such as hand tools and supplies.

            “We expect to hire a faculty member, purchase equipment, and begin marketing the program in August,” Ezell said. “The first classes should begin in January 2007.”

Likewise, the health care curriculum will be expanded to provide a "bridge" for practical nursing graduates and others to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). DCC currently has several health care career programs, including a certificate in practical nursing; an associate in applied science degree program in Health Sciences with a Specialization in Practical Nursing; and career studies certificates (less than one year programs) in nurse aide, advanced nurse aide, phlebotomy, and advanced phlebotomy to name a few.

The college also offers three other health care-related programs locally that are offered in cooperation with other community colleges: Respiratory Therapy (J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College), Medical Laboratory Technology (Central Virginia Community College), and Dental Hygiene (Virginia Western Community College).

“This is an outstanding opportunity for Danville Community College to develop programs that meet local employment needs,” said Ezell. “Both programs are one-year programs that offer needed career training for our service region.”