ELEVATE

The program begins with an intensive, accelerated GED course starting March 31, 2025. Over 12 weeks, participants will engage in focused subject pods covering Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science-with each three-week block culminating in a subject-matter GED exam. Recognizing the rigorous pace, DACC seeks students who are not only at least 16 years old (17 prior to testing) but also demonstrate a minimum sixth grade reading proficiency and a strong personal commitment, as confirmed through an in-person interview. For those who require an alternative timeline, an additional 8-week accelerated GED course is available during the summer session (June 23 through August 15, 2025), dedicating two weeks to each subject area.

Upon successful completion of all four subject areas and the receipt of an Illinois High School Diploma, program graduates become eligible for a variety of college-level certificate courses. These include in-demand fields such as Public Health Billing Management, CDL Truck Driving, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Welding, Maintenance Mechanic (Manufacturing), Auto Mechanic, Culinary Arts, Direct Service Professional (DSP), Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and the Child Development Associate (CDA credential). While the majority of these college courses are slated to commence in the fall, participants who complete at least two GED exams can take advantage of shorter-term courses like CDL Truck Driving and Direct Service Professional (DSP) sooner.

Enrolling in the ELEVATE Program offers participants the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and a college-level certificate which is an invaluable investment in their future. It opens doors, accelerates the student's education, and prepares them for success in the classroom and the workforce. In today's world, a high school diploma alone is no longer sufficient: higher education, whether through traditional routes or high-demand vocational careers, is essential for unlocking lasting success and opportunity.

Interested applicants must complete registration documentation, required placement tests and participate in an in-person interview. Selected students will also receive a mileage stipend and access to support services designed to help overcome an obstacles that might impede their success. To be considered for this transformative opportunity, prospective participants should contact Steffanie Higgins at 217-443-8782 or via email at s.higgins@dacc.edu by Wednesday, March 26, to arrange the registration, testing and interview process.

Danville Area Community College's ELEVATE 2.0 Program represents a significant stride towards educational and workforce advancement for adult learners, equipping them with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in today's competitive job market.

Accelerated GED Class - March 31st - June 13th

• 12 Week Class
• Three (3) Weeks dedicated to each subject: Math, Language Art, Social Studies and Science
• Prepare Students to take exam after the intensive three-week period
• Earn Diploma by June 13th
• Morning Class
  • Monday & Wednesday
  • 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Afternoon Class
  • Tuesday & Thursday
  • 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Accelerated GED Class - June 23rd - August 15th

• Same concept as above; 8 - Weeks/2 weeks on each subject

Participant Requirements

• Have not earned a High School Diploma/GED/HSE
• Resident of Vermilion County
• Must be 16 years old
• Successfully Complete Registration Process
  • Registration Form
  • Placement Tests
  • Interview Process
• Test at a minimum of sixth (6th) grade reading level
• Adhere to all program requirements (Attendance, performance, conduct, progression, etc.)

Health Informatics Programs

• Public Health Medical Billing (PHMB)

Business and Technology

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Welding
• Maintenance Mechanic
• Auto Mechanic

Arts and Sciences - Tentative

• Culinary Arts

Corporate and Community Education

• Direct Support Professionals (DSP)
• Phlebotomy
• Pharmacy Tech

Nursing

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Early Childhood Education

• CDA (Childhood Development Associate Credential) Partnership with Champaign County Regional Planning Commission - Head Start (Vermilion County)

Danville Area Community College - AEL
Danville Area Community College - Perkins
Danville Area Community College - Career and Veterans Services
Department of Juvenile Justice
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency
First Institute of Training and Management, INC
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Illinois Department of Human Services - Department of Rehabilitation
Illinois Department of Human Services - Public Assistance
Illinois Small Business Development Center at DACC
Job Corps
National Able
State of Illinois Veterans Administration
Vermilion County Works
Vermilion County Housing Authority

Steffanie Higgins

Email: s.higgins@dacc.edu

Phone: 217-443-8782