ABOVE: Tyler Cavanaile and Alyssa Cheuvront take their turns addressing the DACC Board of Trustees about what the Second Chance Scholarship Program did for their lives. (Mentors Tammy Betancourt and Kellie McBride watch in back.)
An idea sprung back in 2016 by Danville Area Community College Chief Financial Officer Tammy Betancourt was on display front and center during Thursday (March 16th) night’s DACC Board of Trustees Meeting. Betancourt says the Second Chance Scholarship Program allows students who fell behind in their tuition payments and dropped out of school to come back; give that Associate’s Degree another shot, and their life a new direction.
AUDIO: It’s one of those things where students come in, and they want to change their life. And unfortunately bad decisions from the past are preventing them from moving forward. And (this is) just a way to give them another chance so we can help change a life.
DACC Chief Financial Officer Tammy Betancourt addresses the Board of Trustees about the Second Chance Scholarship Program she initiated in 2016.
One former student and now DACC graduate who spoke was Tyler Cavanaile. His life was not going well; as he drifted from thing to thing out east, sometimes living out of his car. But he came back, got the Second Chance Scholarship, and now he works for DACC doing some very important computer programming work. He has advice for those maybe going through what he did.
AUDIO: I would say don’t give up. It always seems like you don’t have any more options, but there are always more options and DACC is here to help. I just went out on a limb applying for it, and low and behold Tammy gave me a call a couple months later.
Kellie McBride is a Career and Veterans Service Specialist at DACC. And she loves what the Second Chance Scholarship can do for someone.
AUDIO: Oh, it’s a wonderful program. These students, I mean they have so many barriers and hardships. And when they get that second chance it really means a lot to them, and they really excel.
One of McBride’s mentees in the Second Chance Program right now is Alyssa Cheuvront, who is studying culinary arts. She told her story to the board, and Alyssa has advice for others that are struggling as well.
AUDIO: I’d probably tell them that things might seem dark, but there’s always people who are there to help you.
By the way, Alyssa says banana loaf is one of her best culinary dishes.
Tammy Betancourt says her office sends out notices to former students who fell behind on payments and left school, letting them know about the program. If you’d like to inquire yourself; just give DACC at call at 217-443-3222.
LEFT: Oliva Logue receives gift for her last meeting as Student Trustee. RIGHT: Coach John Spezia addresses the Board of Trustees during his final meeting.
Also during Thursday evening’s DACC Board of Trustees meeting, two outgoing trustees were honored. Coach John Spezia is stepping down with the expiration of his term, and Olivia Logue is ending her year as student trustee.
