ECC nominated for Bellwether Award

Elgin Community College is among 10 finalists for the 2017 Bellwether Award by the Community College Futures Assembly.

This is the third time in five years ECC has been nominated and it was the only Illinois community college selected as a finalist out of more than 200 applicants.

The award is judged competitively and is awarded by a panel of national experts. Winners will be announced Jan. 31 at the Community College Futures Assembly in Orlando, Florida.

Established in 1995, the Bellwether Award recognizes cutting-edge, trendsetting programs that other colleges might find worthy of replicating.

ECC was nominated in the "Planning, Governance and Finance" category for its Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS).

"We work hard at ECC to provide programs designed to improve college completion rates, strategically aligning grants and other resources to support initiatives that have proved to be successful," said Peggy Heinrich, interim vice president of teaching, learning, and student development. "This recognition validates that practice and affirms our commitment to ensuring all students, regardless of level, are able to succeed."

ICAPS provides free supplemental academic support, career readiness activities, and personalized advising to prepare students for the workforce in welding, computer numerical control operator, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, dental office aide, and four career areas currently in development. Students are assigned to a group and attend all courses together, accompanied by a faculty member who provides additional support. ICAPS programs are less than one year and lead to one or more credentials sought after by local employers.

ECC won the Bellwether Award in 2013 for its Alliance for College Readiness initiative. It was a finalist in 2014 for its financial education program.