Students in Perry who are looking to continue their education at the DMACC Van Kirk Career Academy may be able to get some assistance thanks to local business leaders.

Perry Economic Development Inc. has donated money to help fund English as a Second Language courses and help students receive tuition assistance.

As a result of the $3,600 donation, DMACC was able to offer two ESL courses free of charge for residents this summer.  Both of which were full with 25 students attending each class.  Program Development Director Jenny Foster says they’re extremely grateful for this support from the community.  She says they have filled gaps when demand exceeds funding, which helps residents receive quality, affordable education right here in Perry.

Perry Economic Development Vice Presidents Bill Clark says they wanted to help DMACC meet the critical demand of educating both young people and the workforce in Perry.  Saying that both are vital pieces of the local economy.  Clark says they felt it was important to support the successful programing offered at DMACC because works in our community want to advance their education and job training and they’re glad they can stay right here in Perry to do it.

In addition, they’ve also started the Perry Promise, a scholarship assistance program that hopes to raise $100,000 to help assist students by saving them up to $555 in tuition per semester.

Anyone interested in assisting with the Perry Promise fundraising campaign can contact Bill Clark at 465-4686.