THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College (DACC) is offering families, educators, and community leaders a clear, proven way to help students start college strong and stay on track for a four-year degree through its General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) Certificate.
The GECC Certificate is a 38-credit package of general education courses that transfers in full to all Illinois public universities and many private institutions. When students complete the GECC at DACC, they finish the entire general education portion required for most associate and bachelor’s degrees. As a result, they can transfer to a university and move directly into coursework in their chosen major.
“Parents want assurance that their student’s time and effort will count,” said Dr. Carl Bridges, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs at DACC. “The GECC Certificate provides that confidence. It is structured, transferable, and designed to give students a strong academic foundation while saving both time and money.”
The GECC includes coursework in five key areas required by Illinois universities: communication; humanities and fine arts; mathematics; physical and life sciences; and social and behavioral sciences. Altogether, the certificate represents about two-thirds of an associate degree and one-third of a bachelor’s degree.
One of the strongest advantages of the GECC Certificate is guaranteed transferability. Students who complete the program at DACC meet the general education requirements at any Illinois public university without having to retake courses. This allows them to focus immediately on upper-level, major-specific classes after transfer.
The GECC Certificate is available to a wide range of students, including traditional DACC students, transfer-bound college students, and high school students participating in Dual Credit. Through Dual Credit, students may begin earning GECC coursework while still in high school, taking classes at their high school, online through DACC, or on DACC’s campus.
“This is a practical solution for families who want a clear plan,” Bridges said. “The GECC removes guesswork. Students know exactly what they are earning, how it transfers, and how it fits into a four-year degree.”
DACC advisors work closely with students and families to create individualized plans that align with students’ long-term goals. High school students are encouraged to begin by speaking with their guidance counselor and connecting with DACC’s Dual Credit team. Current DACC students can work directly with academic advisors to ensure they are completing the correct courses.
Families and community leaders interested in learning more about the GECC Certificate, approved course options, or Dual Credit opportunities can visit dacc.edu/dual-credit or contact DACC Advising at 217.443.8750 for additional information.
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, since 1946. DACC serves the region by providing affordable, high-quality education and workforce training that prepares students for transfer, careers, and lifelong success. The College offers Associate degrees and certificates in both university transfer and applied career and technical programs. DACC’s historic, 76-acre 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.
