FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC SELECTED AS SITE FOR

VCCS MIDDLE COLLEGE PROGRAM

RICHMOND, VA., July 16, 2004 - - Going back to school this fall will hold a special significance for an increasing number of young adults across the Commonwealth thanks to the expansion of the Virginia Community College System's (VCCS) Middle College program.

The Middle College program will grow from two to five Virginia community college locations with the addition of Danville, Germanna, and New River community colleges. This will more than double the program's capacity and resources to recover high school dropouts between the ages of 18 and 24.

The program is designed for participants who are moving through the GED certificate program to flow directly into community college credit programs. These can be 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 beyond reach."

Gearing up quickly, the three new Middle Colleges will begin serving students in September. They join the pilot programs that began last year at J. Sargeant Reynolds and Southside Virginia community colleges. These schools just completed their first year and will double their enrollment for year two. For the 2004-05 year, the five program sites will be able to offer services to an additional 150 young Virginians without a high school diploma.

Gov. Mark R. Warner supported the start up of the two pilot programs with a portion of funds from the Workforce Investment Act, and is continuing to fund them this year.

"We're grateful for Governor Warner's initial support to begin Middle College in Virginia. The results from our first year are compelling and we are extremely pleased to expand the program to three more community colleges," said VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois. "We've helped these students raise their expectations and take steps toward a more successful future."

The three new Middle College programs were selected after a competitive process from applications submitted by the community colleges in the VCCS. One of the deciding factors was the potential number of people who will benefit and be served by the innovative program.

"The regions served by Danville, Germanna and New River community colleges have put together a comprehensive program, making their locations an asset for the expansion of this invaluable program and the service it offers to young people," said Dr. Rose Harrell Johnson, vice chancellor for workforce development for the VCCS. "As funding allows, eventually we hope to have a Middle College program at all our community colleges."

Danville Community College President Carlyle Ramsey said DCC has begun advertising for staff for the middle college. He expects to be fully operational in late August.