Bright Futures Campaign

Student with thumbs up smiling at the camera wearing graduation outfit

Invest in ECC students and our region

A Targeted Campaign for the Students of Elgin Community College

This two-year $3 million campaign will strengthen our region’s workforce for the future. A gift to support the Bright Futures campaign is an investment in the lives of our students while fortifying the local economy:

ECC’s economic impact on District 509 was over $132 million in 2021
324 local businesses employ ECC alumni
85% of ECC grads work within the area

We’re on our way, but we need your help.

Fundraising for a Stronger Community

To celebrate 75 years of student achievement, we invite you to join us in shaping students' dreams for the next 75 years in ECC District 509. Your support can enable ECC scholarships to offer well-deserving students the opportunity to receive a high-quality education, realize their potential, and accomplish their aspirations.

Student Success

Goal: $1.5 million

Equipping ECC students with personalized coaching, financial support, and resources to succeed.

Complete to Compete

Goal: $750,000

Providing targeted support to help at-risk students complete the final year of their ECC education.

Workforce Innovation

Goal: $750,000

Investing in ECC's proven career readiness programs that respond to our region’s most critical workforce needs.

Hear from Our Students

By supporting scholarships, you break down financial barriers that often limit access to education, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Ileana Mendez — As a stay-at-home mom, it has been a financial lifeline, positively influencing my education and inspiring my children to pursue their paths. The scholarship's encouraging title reflects the excitement of nearing the finish line. Despite mixed emotions, my determination propels me toward obtaining both bachelor's and master's degrees for the future of my family. The Complete to Compete Scholarship helped Ileana.

Lizbeth Maldonado — When I first arrived, I struggled with various aspects of school, feeling disconnected and unsure of my abilities. My success coach transformed my ECC experience, uncovering hidden skills and shifting my perspective. From struggling with communication to active class engagement, his guidance made ECC feel like home. Regular inspiring meetings align with my academic commitment, thanks to his unwavering support. ECC Foundation's Student Scholarships General Fund helped Lizbeth.

Astakhova Olga — Thanks to your scholarship, I can now navigate the challenges of my Nursing school journey with greater ease. This support has allowed me to focus on my education and successfully progress into the fourth semester of the Nursing program. Additionally, it has provided me with the means to set aside some funds for essential family needs, including food, bills, and mortgage payments. Max and Victor Leda's Endowed Nursing Scholarship helped Olga.

Bryan Arredondo — Completing my associate degree in applied science, focusing on computer-aided design, means everything to me and my family. I will be the first member of my family to earn a college degree, but I am also on track to finish with a GPA over 4.0. Achieving my degree will relieve so much weight from my shoulders from trying to keep pushing my family forward while still studying. ECC Foundation's Student Success Fund helped Bryan.

Gould Seana — I am driven by the belief that the early years of a child's life are crucial in shaping their future success. Research consistently emphasizes the profound influence of early experiences on later life outcomes. I am dedicated to contributing to the well-being and development of young children, and I aspire to become a qualified Early Childhood specialist because empowering the future begins with investing in the potential of our youngest minds. Rotary Club of Elgin Endowed Scholarship helped Seana.

Ivan Roman — The costs of tuition and books cause stress in our household. Approaching my mother with expenses is daunting when I know she already has so much on her plate. Honestly, sometimes I fear that she will eventually tell me she will not be able to assist me. Receiving a scholarship would greatly help not just me but my family. It would ease the stress in our lives and make me feel less of a burden on her. The Motorola Scholarship helped Ivan.

Ryan Ottens — I will benefit from the scholarship because I live in a single-earner household. My dad lost his job two years ago and had to become a bus driver; he doesn't make much at his new job compared to before. This creates a struggle. By receiving this scholarship, I will be able to be enrolled in classes and not have a strain on the house every time I need money for school. ECC Foundation's Academic and Leadership Scholarship, Zema-Sysco Scholarship, and Donald A. Beresford Memorial Scholarships helped Ryan.

Help make dreams a reality

Please consider making a gift to the Bright Futures general fund, which will fortify all of the campaign priorities or the specific initiative you choose.

Give Now

Overview

ECC Employee Payroll Deduction Form

Payroll Deduction is a quick and easy way to support ECC. Even nominal bi-weekly deductions can grow into significant gifts.

Donate Today

Celebrating 75 Years Of Excellence

Contact

ECC Foundation

Building E, Room E210
847-214-7377
foundation@elgin.edu

Hours
Monday through Friday: 8 am to 5 pm