Experience ECC Returns April 15 With Open House For Community

Sometimes all it takes is one moment, one conversation, one campus visit, one spark to imagine your future differently. 

Elgin Community College’s free “Experience ECC” open house returns Wednesday, April 15, from 5:30 to 8 pm, inviting prospective students and community members to explore academic programs, connect with faculty and staff, and discover what’s possible. For those planning their college journey or curious about the process, this is an opportunity to discover how ECC can help. Held at ECC, 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin, the evening begins in the Jobe Lounge in Building B and is designed to help future students take their next step with confidence. 

“Experience ECC is one of our favorite events of the year because it brings our campus to life,” said Lauren Nehlsen, PhD, associate dean of recruitment, outreach services, and global Engagement. “Visitors can enjoy campus tours, fun activities, and the opportunity to connect directly with faculty from academic programs and staff from student support areas. Whether someone is just starting to explore college or ready to enroll, we want every attendee to leave feeling welcomed, informed, and excited about what’s possible at ECC.”

New this year are focused Admissions and Financial Aid presentations designed to simplify the enrollment process and answer questions in real time. From 5:30 to 6 pm and again from 6 to 6:30 pm, guests can attend:

Admissions 101: Spark Your Future at ECC

• Learn more about ECC’s academic programs, resources, and receive guidance on the admissions process. (Building C, Room 120)

Show Me the Money: Financial Aid Unlocked!

• Explore resources for funding your college education, including financial aid, the FAFSA, and scholarships. (Building C, Room 121)

These sessions offer clear, practical information so students and families can move forward with confidence. 

Choose Your Tour Experience

Between 5:30 and 6:30 pm, attendees can select from five engaging campus tours:

Skills in Action: A Career Technology Tour

This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at career tech programs designed to prepare students for today’s evolving workforce. (Building B, Spartan Corner)

Still Deciding? Explore ECC General Tour

Dive into culinary arts, theatre, and student support services on this tour designed to inspire and equip you for success. (Building B, Spartan Corner)

Pulse on the Future: A Health Professions Tour

Join us for a tour of health professions and discover hands-on career paths in health care. Plus, take a sneak peek at ECC’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab. (Building A, Atrium)

Unleash Your Creativity: Discover Math and Science Tour

Explore the worlds of numbers, logic, and life sciences through hands-on activities and interactive labs. Explore the career pathways these disciplines can offer. (Building A, Atrium)

Discover Your Campus! A Spanish Tour Experience

Explore ECC’s campus on a welcoming tour in Spanish! You’ll see the fitness center, library, and more while learning about resources available at ECC. (Building B, Spartan Corner)

Explore, Connect, and Get Inspired

From 6:30 to 8 pm, the Academic Exploration & Student Support Services Open House takes place in Building B. Prospective students can:

• Meet faculty from a wide range of academic programs
• Connect with admissions, advising, financial aid, and student support staff
• Learn about student clubs and involvement opportunities 
• Enjoy refreshments from the coffee cart in Spartan Corner
• Enter to win raffle baskets

Registration for the open house is encouraged but not required. Registration is required for campus tours. 

To learn more or reserve your spot, visit elgin.edu/experienceECC.