ECC Selected for New Transfer Initiative with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

 Students at Elgin Community College (ECC) who plan to transfer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) now have access to a new program designed to help them successfully transition to a four-year university and complete a bachelor's degree.

Transfer Drive, a partnership between UIUC, Elgin Community College, and One Million Degrees, provides eligible students with personalized support beginning at ECC and continuing through their transfer journey. Students selected for the program will work with a dedicated Transfer Coordinator, receive up to $2,000 in performance-based funding, participate in scholar development sessions, and connect with peer mentors currently enrolled at UIUC.

“We look forward to welcoming new students into Transfer Drive with our partners at Elgin Community College!” said Nick Jones, executive vice president and vice president for Academic Affairs for the University of Illinois System. “ECC has a strong track record of preparing students for academic success and shares our commitment to expanding access to high-quality higher education. 

They have demonstrated leadership in supporting transfer students and fostering pathways that help learners reach their full potential. This partnership embraces our mutual goal of creating more opportunities for students to earn a University of Illinois degree and strengthening the educational pipeline that serves the region and the state. Student success is at the heart of this initiative. By aligning and centralizing resources, advising, and academic pathways, we are making it easier for students to move from community college to a world-class research university while staying focused on their educational aspirations and future careers.”

"Every student deserves a clear pathway to achieving their educational goals," said Tracy Vittone, director of transfer services at Elgin Community College. "This initiative allows us to provide individualized support, meaningful mentorship, and financial resources that help students make a successful transition from ECC to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It's about creating opportunities for students to persist, transfer with confidence, and ultimately earn their bachelor's degree."

Transfer Drive is part of a University of Illinois System initiative created in collaboration with One Million Degrees, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to helping community college students succeed. The program is designed to remove barriers that can prevent students from completing a bachelor's degree by providing coordinated advising, mentoring, and financial support throughout the transfer process. 

The program is open to eligible ECC students who:

• Are District 509 residents
• Qualify for state or federal need-based financial aid
• Are in good academic standing and enrolled in an approved transfer degree program
• Intend to transfer to UIUC in Fall 2027 or Fall 2028 and are committed to meeting UIUC transfer admission requirements

Transfer Drive accepts both first-time and current ECC students. Participants commit to at least one academic year in the program, while students planning to transfer in Fall 2028 will receive an additional year of programming.

Students participating in Transfer Drive will work closely with Mayra Hernandez, Transfer Coordinator for the University of Illinois System, who will provide individualized guidance throughout the transfer process.

"As someone who was born and raised in Elgin, and a proud graduate of Elgin Community College and the University of Illinois Chicago, being part of Transfer Drive is incredibly meaningful to me. It truly feels like coming full circle. I have the privilege of giving back to the community and educational institutions that opened doors for me and helped shape my future.

Those opportunities changed the trajectory of my life and created opportunities for my family that once felt out of reach. That's why this work is so personal. Every student deserves to see a clear path to earning a bachelor's degree and to know they have people who believe in them along the way. Being part of Transfer Drive means helping students navigate that journey with the support and confidence they need to pursue their goals. I have both a personal and professional investment in helping students realize their potential, and I care deeply about creating opportunities that allow my community to thrive," said Hernandez.

Students interested in learning more or applying for the Fall 2026 cohort are encouraged to connect with Hernandez or complete the online interest form. Applications are due September 25, and accepted students will be welcomed into the program during an event on October 16.