Danville Area Community College set to break graduation record

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Danville Area Community College is on track to break a big record. Officials say once summer classes wrap up, they’re expecting the highest graduation rate they’ve ever seen.

Last year, only 38% of their full-time students graduated. DACC President Stephen Nacco said the last record was set in 2018, hitting a 43% rate. This year, they’re striving for 45%.

Nacco said the college was on a mission to get back in good standings. So, they created more activities like e-sports, bands and production classes.

“Students that are more involved in school tend to get better grades, and tend to complete their degree programs,” Guido Esteves said.

Esteves graduated just last year and is now a teacher at DACC. He’s also the coordinator for community engagement and e-sports. He said the main goal is creating a safe space for students.

“DACC is so strong because you can talk to the president, you can talk to your teachers, you can talk to me. You have instant access, and they listen.”

Esteves said establishing that line of communication is crucial for a student success.

“They feel like, ‘I have someone I can talk to,’ as opposed to just not saying anything, and then maybe flunking or something like that.”

President Nacco said he believes that’s what sets them apart as a community college and boosts graduation numbers.

“It’s faculty who really care and will help students along, and want to know why you didn’t show up to class.”

Nacco said they’ll get the official graduation rate on August 1. Since 2020, the rate has been sitting in the high 30s. Right now, the number is at 44.7%.

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