FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC's MIDDLE COLLEGE HAS FIRST GRADUATES

DANVILLE, VA, February 16, 2005 – The first graduates of the Middle College program at Danville

 Community College were recognized recently at their “Completion Ceremony.”  The graduates included many who have already earned their General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

There were six students who completed the program, obtained their GED certificate and have enrolled in a DCC program or started a new job. The remaining students who completed the program requirements are scheduled to sit for their GED exams soon.

Students who have completed the Middle College program and already obtained their GED include:

• Howard Edwards, Danville

• Katie Hines, Danville

• Adam Mitchell, Danville

• Crystal Petty, Danville

• Billy Richardson, Ringgold

• Garry Witcher, Danville,

Students who have completed the Middle College program and are awaiting the opportunity to test or complete the GED include:

• Timothy Clark, Chatham

• Ricky Elliott, Danville

• Joel Miller, Danville

• Jamaal Reid, Danville

• Stanley Michael Witcher, Dry Fork

“This first session has been a success,” said Middle College Director Cheryl B. Terry. “In addition to completing the program and obtaining their GED, the students feel a great sense of pride and have a brighter outlook for the future. The students see that they can accomplish great things if they have the will to do so and work hard.”

Middle College is designed for participants who are moving through the GED certificate program to go directly into community college credit programs. They  can enroll in either workforce certificate programs or associate degree programs. The idea is for each Middle College student to change the way they think about themselves—from the very start of the program—overturning the idea that college is out of their reach.

Terry emphasized that in addition to working toward a GED, students are taught other valuable skills that will assist them as they continue their education or enter the workforce. These components include: career exploration and development; obtaining a Workforce Readiness Certificate; leadership development; educational and training opportunities; community involvement; JAG – Jobs for America’s Graduates; and employment and/or expected outcome.

In addition to DCC, four other Virginia community colleges—Germanna, J. Sargeant Reynolds, New River and Southside—offer the Middle College program.

“It’s important to us that each student be a productive citizen, contributing to the success of our community,” Terry said. “We look forward to helping many more students succeed.”

For more information about Middle College, contact the office at (434) 797-8564; toll free at 800-5604291, ext. 8564, or click here.