Olney Central College plans open house for Title Three program at West Richland Center

Olney Central College plans open house for Title Three program at West Richland Center

Forecast coming up a wabash valley college is expanding it's footprint into noble, illinois.

It's bringing new technology with that expansion.

Olney central college was awarded over 2 million dollars in grant money from the "u-s department of education".

News 10 bureau chief gary brian shows us how that money is being put to use.

Gar} "it's been over five years since students in richland county were consolidated into one school district.

That left west richland high school without any students.

But that didn't last for long."

Alexis gill started her time at olney central college in august.

Living down the road in fairfield...occ's west richland center was a perfect fit.

"i'd be able to live still with my mom and help her around the house.

I know the iecc schools.

I took some classes at fairfield."

Gill is taking cosmotology at occ.

It's one of a number of title three courses being taught in noble.

"i think it's turned out pretty well.

We are developing a lot of things now."

Information systems technology and unmanned aerial systems are among the new courses being taught at west richland.

Those new courses are re-tooling what used to be west richland high school.

"it's pretty exciting.

I feel like i'm getting a good handle on where i would like this to go and we're going to be getting some more help in.

As the grant porition dwindles down and it actually becomes institutionaliz ed."

Over 2 million dollars in grant funding provided the tools for the new programs. meaning students flying drones will have the best they can get.

"drone technology just continues to change.

Every year we're coming out with brand new drones that do different things.

It's just a pretty exciting industry in general to be a part of."

Welding and cosmotology are also among those courses in the title three program.

Giving small town students like gill a big time opportunity.

"it's been my dream and i really want to help people find their self through outside image to make them feel better inside."

Gar} "an open house is planned for the public on wednesday april 21st.

In noble illinois, gary brian news 10."