DACC new barber program begins enrolling students
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — After two long hard-fought years Danville Area Community College is ready to welcome in more students.
Last October WCIA reported that that the DACC was planning to launch a new barber program. Now they're finally getting students enrolled.
One school official said part of the wait came from needing approval from the Higher Learning Commission, Illinois Community College Board, and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said more than 89,000 openings for barbers, hairstylist and cosmetologist are projected each year. DACC said this need has created a lot of interest in the program throughout the community. Right now, the spring and fall semester classes are filled with a total of 15 students.
"I think, it gives them an opportunity. You know, the closest program, if I'm not mistaken, our closest program is in the south suburbs of Chicago. So, you know, the students who are in this area who are really interested in the program now have an opportunity to take the program here, which I think is great," Provost Carl Bridges said.
Bridges said students go through an 8-week course where they can get their license or take a mixture of general studies and get an associate degree. The program is at the Danville Village Mall. The first day of classes will start Jan. 21.
