First Friday Audience Hears Latest on ERCA Plans

(EFFINGHAM UNIT 40 SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT MARK DOAN)

Chamber First Friday Luncheon attenders heard the latest on the Effingham Regional Career Academy Friday.

The Academy is a cooperative venture involving business and industry along with governmental entities, economic development entities, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, and the education community. 14 school districts have signed intergovernmental agreements to participate in the Academy with Lake Land College.

Effingham Unit 40 Superintendent Mark Doan said when Lake Land President Josh Bullock came to the college, he engaged the area by asking at gatherings, "What can Lake Land do for you?" Doan said a regional education academy would benefit the area. 

Since 2015, work has been going on to develop an academy locally. Programs such as CEO, Health Occs, CTEC and a welding program are among the programs already underway. The courses are offered at area schools and students who want to attend from other districts are welcomed. Doan said Unit 40 didn't have an Agriculture program, but now they do through the cooperative agreement.

(DR. JOSH BULLOCK)

Bullock said he hopes to have an agreement soon on a permanent location for the courses. The ERCA will be constructed near the Lake Land Kluthe Center once grant funding is made available.

(A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT IT'S HOPED THE CAREER ACADEMY WILL OFFER)

Bullock said it's hoped that 150 students per year will take advantage of the ERCA, and expects the program to grow beyond the Effingham area.