GAVC Saves Parents Money Toward College
by Mark Hulbert
March 27, 2008
Students attending Grundy Area Vocational Center during the 2007-2008 school year generated 1,097 college credits. GAVC partners with Joliet Junior College through what is called the Tech Prep Dual Credit Program. The program offers high school students who attend GAVC the opportunity to earn college credit. JJC Tech Prep Coordinator Dan Kreidler oversees the process and has been very beneficial in assisting to increase these opportunities for GAVC students. There is no financial cost to the student or parent. This year alone, the Tech Prep Program saved parents of GAVC students $63,998.87. Nine of the ten GAVC programs have articulation agreements with Joliet Junior College; Auto Technology, Building Trades, Computer Maintenance Technology, Computer Applications, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Electricity/Robotics, Health Occupations, and Welding. Cosmetology does not have an articulation agreement as JJC does not offer the cosmetology program. Students attending the cosmetology program at GAVC do qualify to take the state cosmetology test after meeting the state requirement of 1,500 hours of theory/practical time with a grade average of 75% or better. Upon successful completion of the state test, students become licensed and employable in the cosmetology field.
