The Illinois Manufacturers Association has recognized Danville Area Community College and Kankakee Community College for leadership in manufacturing opportunities. A $25-thousand dollar award was presented to DACC and KCC to help students interested in the field of manufacturing. Greg Baise, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, was present for a formal check presentation in Danville.

Baise said both community colleges were awarded the funding for meeting a series of set standards. They were also cited for 'performing at a high level of active engagement to foster greater educational opportunities within the field of manufacturing.

DACC President Dr. Alice Marie Jacobs says it was fitting that the presentation occurred in the Julius W. Hegeler II Advanced Technology Center. Dr. Jacobs adds each year hundreds of jobs in manufacturing go un-filled because companies cannot find qualified workers. She says Danville Area Community College is trying to help solve that problem.

Tracy Wahlfeldt, Executive Director of the Danville Area Community College Foundation, says sometimes a scholarship is the difference in whether or not a student can attend college. Wahlfeldt says Danville Area Community College awarded 440 scholarships this year and is on track to award even more this fall.

At KCC, Dr. John Avendano said "the Manufacturing and Industrial Tech Center is an excellent example of how KCC students turns community needs into educational opportunities." Avendano said several local manufacturers had vacancies for welders, millwrights and fabricators and they turned to KCC to help fill the positions. He called it a perfect fit.

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