Danville Program Graduates 102 Adults in Under 5 Years

When Danville Public Schools launched its Adult and Career Education Center in 2021, they knew the path to a diploma looks different for everyone. Last week, the program celebrated helping 102 students cross the finish line.

The Danville school board honored program coordinator Dr. Antonio Hairston and his team Thursday night for reaching the milestone. The program serves at-risk youth aged 16 to 18 alongside adult learners, some in their 40s and 50s, who never gave up on earning their high school equivalency.

"We're not just graduating students, we're changing lives and strengthening our community," Antonio told the board. He credited his dedicated team for working day in and day out to make it happen.

The program does more than prepare students for GED testing. It offers career skills training through certifications like ServSafe and CNA, plus English as a Second Language classes to help immigrants build new lives in Virginia.

Superintendent Dr. Angela Hairston shared a recent success story. She'd referred a student to the program, and just the night before the board meeting, he graduated with his GED. Now he can attend Danville Community College and enter the workforce at a whole new level.

The Ripple Effect

Every diploma earned creates waves beyond one person's achievement. When a parent finally earns their GED, their children see that it's never too late to learn. When an immigrant gains English skills and career certifications, they can better support their family and contribute to the local economy.

The Adult Career Education Center's mission centers on advancing literacy skills and employment opportunities for better quality of life. That means each of those 102 graduates now has access to jobs, wages, and futures that were previously out of reach.

The team isn't slowing down either. "We're committed to the work that's before us," Antonio said. "We want to let you know we're not done yet."