Illinois Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti stopped by Danville Area Community College Wednesday afternoon. During her visit she praised the local College Express program. ‘’College Express started several years ago as a cooperative venture between Danville Area Community College and Vermilion Vocational Education Delivery System in or to provide high school juniors and seniors throughout Vermilion County with the opportunity to take technical and career programs,’’ said Sanguinetti.
The Lieutenant Governor notes College Express provides dual benefits for the high school juniors and seniors who are enrolled. ‘’The College serves as the area’s Career Center and provides seventeen occupation programs for approximately 425 students each and every semester. These students earn dual credit for each course they take, so a high school senior could graduate with a top of 16 credit hours as they participate in the course over four semesters.’’
Nick Chatterton, Director of the Vermilion Vocational Education Delivery System noted that Illinois was going through another financial crisis when College Express was born eleven years ago. But he adds those involved in the program are not in it for the money. ‘’Our goals are pure and they are about giving students opportunities and making sure that we fill the talent pipeline to the best of our abilities – so that our industries that are here in Danville, Illinois stay here and blossom here,’’ said Chatterton.
College Express is one of the examples featured in a magazine published by the Illinois Lieutenant Governor’s office pointing out how partnerships can improve services and save taxpayer dollars.
