Leadership and Volunteer Programs

Employers often prefer to hire students and graduates who build an impressive resume of initiative and team-building while in college. Here's how to add leadership to your skillset.

Leadership Development Workshops

Enhance and nurture your leadership skills. Attend these workshops offered by Center for Student Experience and Engagement to learn more about ways to develop leadership and apply those skills in the various clubs and organizations on campus.

Service Opportunities

Engaging in a service opportunity is a rewarding experience where you can gain leadership skills, build confidence, take on new challenges, and make a difference while being a part of a caring community. Some opportunities to give back to your campus and community include:

• Project Backpack
• Make a Difference Week
• ECC's Big Event

Student Success

Students can be recognized for their academic success and co-curricular participation in various programs on campus. These opportunities include:

• Trustee Scholars
• Leadership Banquet
• TRIUMPH Mentoring Program

Student Employment Opportunities

Spartan Leaders

Become a Spartan Leader and help new students feel welcomed at ECC! Spartan Leaders get paid to work with fun people, develop leadership and communication skills, lead college tours, and make new connections.

Student Workers

Are you looking for a way to build your professional work skills while getting involved on campus? Consider applying for various positions in our office as an Office Student Worker, Graphic Designer, or Program Assistant. You'll get paid and work with fun people in a fun environment! For more information, contact studentlife@elgin.edu.

Volunteer and receive college credits!

Students Educationally Receiving Volunteer Experience (SERVE) is ECC's free credit class (GSD 150). The benefits of becoming a volunteer extend way beyond your assignment. Not only does volunteering lead to good feelings, well-being, and better overall life satisfaction, but you quickly learn you can make a difference in the world around you and gain skills you wouldn't ordinarily have the opportunity to obtain through jobs and classes. Employers look for volunteering on resumes too!

Student interests and time availabilities are matched with agencies seeking volunteers. Opportunities may include but are not limited to tutoring, literacy training, neighborhood improvement, increasing environmental safety, animal shelter care, assisting the elderly or disabled, and providing mental health care.

Enroll via accessECC for the fall, spring, or summer semesters to engage in this opportunity.

Class Requirements

1. Document the number of hours that satisfy the credit hour you seek.
2. Complete a 500-word essay on your experiences with your volunteer agency.
3. Complete all necessary forms within the program.

Credit Hour Options

• Two (2) credits for 96 hours of volunteering during the semester.
• One(1) credit for 48 hours of volunteering during the semester.
• One-half (.5) credit for 24 hours of volunteering during the semester.

Classes

• COL 101 College 101: Student Success
• GSD 120 Exploring Careers and College Majors
• GSD 150 SERVE - Volunteer

Getting Started

Stop by the office of Student Life to pick up a packet about the SERVE Program, or contact the assistant dean of the student experience and engagement at 847-214-7423 or email amaurer@elgin.edu for additional questions.