THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
DANVILLE – The Project Success After School Music Program, a collaborative initiative between Project Success and Danville Area Community College (DACC), is set to strike the right chord with Danville High School students when it kicks off on January 29. Meeting twice a week in a dedicated, state-of-the-art music room, the program will provide students with the opportunity to explore their musical talents, regardless of prior experience.
Supported by the Reimagine Youth Development Services grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services, this three-year initiative aims to inspire creativity and growth among local youth. The program has already invested $11,000 in top-notch musical equipment, providing all the necessary instruments for students, who can receive instruction in vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, or drums. The grant also covers the costs of gear, instructors, and two DACC music students, Logan Allen and McKenzie Divan, who will assist with teaching, offering participants a unique and hands-on learning experience.
Michael “Guido” Esteves, a music teacher and community outreach specialist at DACC, will lead the program. He will be joined by students Allen and Divan, as well as professional teachers Steve Meadows and Cameron Sheets, ensuring students receive comprehensive guidance in their musical journey.
“We are so excited to be a part of bringing this program to our community,” said Esteves. “This partnership highlights DACC’s commitment to supporting local students and fostering their growth. It’s also an amazing recruitment opportunity for DACC, and having our music students involved gives them invaluable real-world teaching experience. I know from my own time as a teacher that these experiences make you a better musician. This program means DACC can take kids interested in music from high school all the way to a college degree.”
Abby Boen, Program Director, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: “I am excited about this new Reimagine Youth Development Services grant, funded through the Illinois Department of Human Services. This will allow for new opportunities for our Danville High School students.”
The program’s collaborative and student-centered approach has made an impression on local leaders. Kimberly David, CEO of Project Success, emphasized the program’s unique origins: “This grant was developed and written with input from our Danville High School students, which makes it even more special to be awarded a program that students have helped design. Our partnership with Danville Area Community College enhances this program tremendously, providing both resources and expertise for our students.”
Enrollment is open to all Danville High School students, regardless of their musical background. This program is more than just an opportunity to play—it’s a chance to dream, create, and succeed.
Enrollment is open to all Danville High School students, regardless of their musical background. This program is more than just an opportunity to play—it’s a chance to dream, create, and succeed.
For more information about the Project Success After School Music Program, please contact Guido Esteves at g.esteves@dacc.edu.
About Project Success Project Success is a youth-focused organization dedicated to providing after-school programs that empower and inspire students through innovative opportunities in education, arts, and leadership.
About Danville Area Community College (DACC) DACC is committed to fostering student success and lifelong learning through accessible, high-quality education and community engagement.
Danville Area Community College is a comprehensive community college serving Illinois District 507, which consists of Vermilion County and parts of Champaign, Iroquois, Edgar, and Ford counties. DACC’s main campus is located at 2000 East Main Street, Danville. The College has a higher-learning center in Hoopeston at 847 E. Orange. To apply to DACC, call 217-443-3222 or visit the Web site at www.DACC.EDU.