Spartan Lyft Program

Student in outside at ECC in the parking lot waiting for a ride.

Need a Ride to Get to Class?

We know that sometimes getting to campus can be one more challenge standing between you and your education. A lack of reliable transportation shouldn’t keep you from getting to class, completing an important lab or exam, or connecting with the support you need at ECC.

The Spartan Lyft Transportation Support Program offers limited Lyft ride assistance to eligible ECC students who are experiencing a temporary transportation challenge.

This program is designed to provide short-term support when other transportation options aren’t available or aren’t enough to meet your needs.

You may be eligible to receive transportation support if you:

  • Are currently enrolled at ECC for the current term.
  • Are experiencing a transportation challenge that may make it difficult to get to class or participate in required academic activities.
  • Have limited or no access to other transportation options, such as public transportation, carpooling, or other available resources.
  • Have a 2.0 GPA or higher and/or actively participating in ECC support services to increase your GPA.
  • Are 18 years of age or older.
  • Are an ESL, GED, certificate, or degree-seeking student.

You don't have to figure this out on your own. If you're unsure whether you meet the criteria, we encourage you to complete the application so we can learn more about your situation.

Spartan Lyft funding is limited, so there may be times when we receive more requests than we have funding available.

When this happens, we may give priority consideration to students who:

  • Receive a Federal Pell Grant.
  • Are first-generation college students.
  • Are actively participating in ECC support programs, such as TRIO, tutoring, advising, or other student support services.

Priority consideration does not guarantee approval. All applications are reviewed based on the student's circumstances and available program resources.

Spartan Lyft is designed to help you get where you need to go for your education at ECC.

Approved rides may be used for:

  • Getting to and from campus for class
  • Meeting with ECC student support services
  • Attending required labs or exams
  • Traveling to a required clinical site for an ECC course

Because this is a limited educational support program, Lyft rides cannot be used for:

  • Non-ECC-related transportation
  • Social or recreational trips
  • Transportation to or from off-campus employment
  • Travel outside the program's defined service area

Before You Apply

The goal of Spartan Lyft is to provide support when other options aren't available or aren't enough.

As part of the application process, the Dean of Students Office will work with you to determine whether other resources may be able to help with your transportation needs. These may include financial aid, WIOA services, public transportation, carpooling, ECC support services, or other community resources.

This doesn't mean you have to navigate those resources alone. If you're approved for Spartan Lyft, we'll provide information about any other resources that may be helpful to you.

Apply for Spartan Lyft

Think this program may be able to help?

Complete the application below. Your application will be reviewed by the Dean of Students Office, which will determine eligibility based on your circumstances, program requirements, and available funding.

Apply Today

Complete the Spartan Lyft Student Transportation Support Application through Jotform.

Have questions before applying?

That's okay. You can contact the Dean of Students' Office to talk about your situation. Email at deanofstudents@elgin.edu or call 847-214-7998.

Once you submit your application:

  1. We review your information: The Dean of Students Office will review your application and transportation needs.
  2. We may follow up with you: If we need additional information or want to discuss other resources with you, we'll reach out.
  3. You'll receive a decision: We'll let you know whether your application has been approved and provide information about next steps.
  4. If approved, we'll explain how to access your Lyft support: We'll provide the information you need to use the program.

Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or a specific number of rides. Lyft support is limited and depends on available program funding.