ECC Stories 2025

A student stands in the student lounge

Published 04/08/2025

The Bright Side of Summer School

For many students, summer classes might not seem like the most appealing option. For Sarah Serrano, a student at Elgin Community College (ECC), taking a biology course over the summer turned out to be one of the best decisions she made for her academic journey.

A financial aid advisor at ECC assists a student

Student Resources

Published 03/28/2025

Financial Aid Comes in Many Forms

Over 50% of ECC students receive some form of financial aid to help cover the cost of college. Keith Schwartz, ECC’s director of financial aid and scholarships, says the first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schwartz and his team assist students one-on one and connected them to more than $16 million in financial aid last year.

Vinny Cascio, director of TRiO student support services/ESL

Staff Profile

Published 03/28/2025

Staff Spotlight: Vinny Cascio

Vinny Cascio, an accomplished higher education leader, is proud to serve as director of TRiO Student Support Services/ESL at Elgin Community College.

ECC Phlebotomy Students

Student Resources

Published 03/28/2025

Fast-track programs can accelerate your career

Looking to jump-start your career quickly? Elgin Community College offers several programs that can be completed in less than a year, helping you gain valuable skills and enter the workforce faster. These short-term programs are perfect for those who want to earn a credential without a long-term commitment.

The first cohort of Seigle Scholars

Published 03/28/2025

Why You Should Apply for an ECC Foundation Scholarship

College can be expensive, but scholarships through the ECC Foundation can help make it more affordable. Many students overlook these valuable opportunities, assuming they won’t qualify or that the application process is too difficult. However, applying for scholarships is one of the smartest steps you can take toward funding your education. Here’s why you should apply—and how to do it.

ECC Student Jose Bendeck

Published 03/27/2025

Meet Jose Bendeck

Before Elgin Community College (ECC) student Jose Bendeck, of Pingree Grove, Ill., started at ECC, he knew he wanted to begin his education at a community college. After going to College of DuPage for two semesters, he took a short break before enrolling at ECC in the spring of 2024 where he is getting an associates in science degree.

Peggy Heinrich, EdD, president of Elgin Community College, with an ECC graduate

Student Resources

Published 03/28/2025

Together We Thrive: A Commitment to Our Latinx Community

In August 2024, ECC launched its Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Strategic Planning Process. The plan, guided by a diverse steering team, will name key initiatives to strengthen support for Latinx students.

ECC student McGregory Gamez walks with an ECC instructor

Student Profile

Published 03/28/2025

From Geologist to Caregiver: A Students' Journey

For McGregory Gamez, life has been a journey of transformation and resilience. A geologist from Venezuela, Gamez arrived in the United States seeking a fresh start. At ECC, he found the support he needed to chart a new path.

ECC student America Ocampo

Announcement

Published 03/19/2025

Meet America Ocampo

When Elgin Community College (ECC) student America Ocampo of Streamwood, Ill., came to ECC in the fall of 2023, she immediately got connected. “I’ve always been someone who is really involved because I find it important to include a different viewpoint and to bring my opinions on what can be improved,” Ocampo said.

ECC students

Going to College

Published 03/14/2025

How ECC Supports First-Generation College Students

At Elgin Community College (ECC), we understand that being a first-generation college student is a huge accomplishment. Did you know that nearly 50% of our students are considered ‘first-gen,’ which means they are the first in their family to attend college or that their parents or guardians didn’t attend college in the U.S?

Elgin Community College student Brianna Farmer

Student Profile

Published 03/14/2025

Meet Brianna Farmer

When Brianna Farmer, an Elgin Community College (ECC) student, decided to come to ECC after high school in 2023, she didn’t know what she wanted to do yet. Still, she had an inclination toward becoming a police officer.

ECC student Ailine Solis

Student Profile

Published 03/10/2025

Meet Ailine Solis

Elgin Community College (ECC) student Ailine Solis started at the college in the spring of 2019 to follow her passion for videography.

A student and professor walk in the hallway of Building K

Published 03/03/2025

4 Tips for Mastering Time Management at ECC

Balancing classes, assignments, work, and personal life can be challenging, but with the right time management skills, you can stay on top of your responsibilities while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

ECC student Josh Selvig

Student Profile

Published 02/27/2025

Meet Josh Selvig

Elgin Community College (ECC) student Josh Selvig looks forward to transferring to the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) in the fall of 2025 after being awarded a scholarship for $25,000. MIAD was drawn to Selvig’s art portfolio, specifically the “Fountain of Thought” art installation he created at ECC.

Student in class

Going to College

Published 02/26/2025

Everything in Life Has a Tradeoff

Life is all about tradeoffs. What are you willing to exchange for what you want? We all have dreams and desires, but achieving them requires effort. For some, a college degree is unnecessary, while for others, it’s essential. College may offer financial benefits, with studies showing a bachelor’s degree can increase lifetime earnings by $964,000 compared to only having a high school diploma.

ECC Student Javielis Meneces Acuna

Student Profile

Published 02/20/2025

Meet Javielis Meneces Acuña

Elgin Community College (ECC) student Javielis Meneces Acuña immigrated from Venezuela in 2021. She knows she can accomplish anything she wants with her unwavering confidence and contagious personality.

ECC Student Lorraine Wright

Student Profile

Published 02/06/2025

Meet Lorraine Wright

It’s 2022, the world is slowly returning from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Elgin Community College (ECC) student Lorraine Wright of Geneva, Ill., is ready for a change.

ECC Student Jorge Garcia

Student Profile

Published 02/03/2025

Meet Jorge Garcia

Elgin Community College (ECC) student Jorge Garcia first came to the college during his senior year of high school through a dual credit class. After finishing high school, he knew ECC was the right place to keep going.

Elgin Community College student Audree Khotisene

Student Profile

Published 01/24/2025

Meet Audree Khotisene

Elgin Community College (ECC) student Audree Khotisene’s college experience was made when she became a student worker for the Office of Student Life.

A group of student posing

Going to College

Published 01/21/2025

Victor Graciano: Travel Abroad to Spain

Last summer, ECC student Victor Graciano attended the Summer 2024 program at the International College of Seville (ICS). Learn more about his unique experience abroad in Seville, Spain.

Cade Steichen, Valedictorian of the Elgin Community College Fire Academy Class of 2024

Graduation Essays | Student Profile

Published 01/14/2025

Cade Steichen: I am proud to have been part of this class

Cade Steichen graduated as Valedictorian of the Elgin Community College Fire Academy Class of 2024. Learn about his journey, which he was honored to share in a speech at the Fire Academy Recognition Ceremony in December 2024.

ECC student-athlete Izzy Vidallo

Student Profile

Published 01/13/2025

Meet Izzy Vidallo

Beneath the bold, tattooed exterior of Elgin Community College (ECC) student-athlete Izzy Vidallo is a driven entrepreneur who has known since she was 16 that she didn’t want to work a standard 9-to-5 job. She is ready to be her own boss.