THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College has been awarded a $592,984 grant to serve as the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program hub for the East Central Region of Illinois. The funding will support a new workforce training initiative that prepares individuals for high-demand careers in clean energy—at no cost to participants. The CEJA Workforce Programs are funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).
Through this award, DACC will deliver the CEJA Workforce Hub program at its campus. The College will manage all aspects of the program, including outreach, recruitment, screening, training, and participant support, with the goal of building a skilled and diverse clean energy workforce for the region.
“The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act reflects the future of both workforce development and economic growth,” said Dr. Randy Fletcher, President of Danville Area Community College. “This grant allows the College to remove financial barriers, invest in people, and prepare our community for good-paying, future-focused careers in clean energy.”
DACC will recruit 40 individuals to participate in the program. CEJA training funds will cover the cost of tuition and fees, including books and other supplies for eligible participants and students will receive a stipend while enrolled, helping them focus on learning without added financial stress. The training follows the Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework and begins with a bridge program covering clean energy basics and essential employability skills.
After completing the bridge program, participants will choose a job-specific training pathway in solar and wind technology or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Instruction will emphasize hands-on learning and real-world exposure through job site visits, tours, and classroom visits from industry professionals who will share information about career pathways and job expectations.
Participants will be prepared to earn industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) certification, National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification, and Building Science Principles certification. These credentials are designed to help graduates enter the workforce with confidence and credibility.
To support completion and job placement, DACC will provide barrier reduction services, including wrap-around services, student support services, and transition assistance. Building strong relationships with regional employers will be a core focus of the program to help participants move directly into employment.
Equity will be central to the program’s design and delivery. DACC will use inclusive outreach strategies and supportive instruction to empower participants to fully engage, grow professionally, and reach their fullest potential. Progress and outcomes will be tracked through the CEJA Reporting System to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Participants may also earn college credit while enrolled and will have full access to DACC student services, including tutoring, academic advising, and career services.
“The clean energy economy is growing quickly, and employers need trained workers now,” Fletcher added. “This program helps meet that need while creating new opportunities for people in our region.”
For more information, visit www.dacc.edu.
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. 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.
