U-46 names Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning as Business Partner of the Year

Elgin Area School District U-46 named Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) its 2026 Business Partner of the Year.

Founded in 2012 as a collaborative community partnership, EPEL focuses its efforts toward children ages 5 and under. The nonprofit brings together families, community organizations, early childhood professionals, and health care providers to build a coordinated system of support to ensure every young child has the foundation needed to succeed in school and life.

U-46 Chief of Staff Brian Lindholm presented the award to Amber Peters, EPEL’s executive director, during the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting on March 4.

“EPEL has been a vital partner to School District U-46 in our shared commitment to making sure that kindergarten readiness begins long before a child walks into a kindergarten classroom,” Lindholm said. “EPEL meets families where they are, listens to their needs, and elevates their voices.”

Peters said the honor acknowledges the power of organizations working together to support children and families.

“While the award says ‘business partner,’ it feels much more like a family working together to create awareness and access for others,” she said. “When communities invest in early childhood and meet families where they are, we help build the strong foundation children need to succeed in school and in life.”

Lindholm noted EPEL’s impact only continues to grow with its launch last year of The Basics of Greater Elgin, in partnership with U-46. Rooted in five science-based parenting and caregiving principles, The Basics offers everyday tools for families to support their children’s development. EPEL has trained education and child care professionals in the Basics Principles, installed engagement stations in more than two dozen locations across the community, and reached hundreds of families.

“I am excited to see the continued growth of The Basics of Greater Elgin under EPEL’s leadership,” Lindholm said. “This broad, collective approach is creating a community-wide culture that helps all young children thrive.”