FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC’S MIDDLE COLLEGE HELPS                    

STUDENTS TAKE STEPS TO SUCCESS 

DANVILLE, VA, June 2, 2006 -- There are many people who consider Danville Community College’s

The following students recently completed the Middle College program at  Danville Community College. The students are:  front row, left to right:  Ashley Barts, Consuelo Cruz, Laverne Haley, Shanaya Scott, Jennifer Ventrice,  Reven Howerton, Ashley Anderson, Kimberly Wyatt, and Gregory Harris.  Back Row: Chadricco Davis, Joseph Trivers, Christopher Reaves, Willie David  Futch, Jr., David Jones, Jarrod Wilson, Tyler Thornton and Chadlena Thornton.

 Middle College Program a “life saver.” This grant-funded program offers individuals 18-24 years old the opportunity to obtain their GED (General Educational Development) certificate, free of charge, and go to college. However, it is more than a GED program.  Students are actually enrolled at DCC, where they take a Workforce Preparation class and earn career readiness skills.

DCC’s Middle College serves residents of Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax County.  Now in its second year, the program has had great outcomes. In a recent completion ceremony, 79% of the active students earned their GED.  In addition, 67% of the active students have already earned a Career Readiness Certificate.

To earn a Career Readiness Certificate, individuals are tested in reading, applied math, and locating information through WorkKeys employability skills assessment system.  WorkKeys is a comprehensive employability skills assessment tool designed to help employers and individuals develop better workplace skills As a result of the testing, individuals earn a Career Readiness Certificate or identify areas in which they need further training to obtain the certificate. 

Students that were recognized during the ceremony include 20-year-old, Gregory Harris, who was recognized for scoring in the top 12% in the nation on the GED test. Ashley Barts, 21, and Christopher Holmes, 24, earned the “Teachers Award” from the instructor, Mary Dumont, for being such strong, dedicated students.

The enrollment process includes taking the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) test.  Students who score on the ninth grade reading and math level, will then be interviewed to learn their objectives and academic goals.  Students who meet the Middle College requirements, will then be accepted in the program.

Students are required to attend classes daily from 9:00 – 12:15.  Daily tutoring is also available. “In as little as three months, students can earn their GED and begin a college curriculum,” says Cheryl Terry, Director of Middle College. 

Graduates of the Middle College are required to enroll at least part-time, in either a certificate, diploma or degree program.  Students will receive assistance from DCC’s Educational Opportunity Center, with completing financial aid forms.   Classes for the next Middle College session start August 21, 2006. 

“Middle College is important because it provides a second chance for students. The goal is not to simply get a GED, but to encourage them to go beyond,” says Terry who takes a personal responsibility towards her students’ success.  ‘Our goal is to produce more educated, productive citizens for the community.”

Other community colleges in the Commonwealth that have the Middle College Program include Southside Virginia, Germanna, J. Sergeant Reynolds, and New River. For more information about DCC’s Middle College Program, contact Cheryl Terry or call 434.797.8564.