Thank you for considering United Way's ECL @ Illinois program!
Emerging Community Leaders (ECL) is a personal development program designed for professionals to learn how they can impact our community through nonprofit volunteerism.
ECL @ Illinois brings all the content of our award-winning ECL Program to campus. Since 2005, 780 people have graduated from ECL.
By offering the program on-campus, we are making ECL more accessible and helping you meet community-minded faculty and staff from across campus.
The ECL @ Illinois program is offered FREE OF CHARGE thanks to support from the Office of the Chancellor and the United Way Board of Directors.
Click here to read a note from Chancellor Robert J. Jones regarding the ECL @ Illinois program!
About the ECL @ Illinois Program
ECL’s structured like a class – but with no grades or tests!
You’ll join together with other professionals for our five educational seminars:
- Finding Your Why
- Nonprofit Basics
- How to be an effective Board/Committee member
- Fundraising for Impact
- Introduction to Campus and Community Partnerships
You will put your new knowledge to work by participating in a team project that addresses a community challenge identified by United Way.
We will also plan social and volunteer events throughout the year. At the conclusion of our program, we'll celebrate your accomplishments with a Graduation event.
View the 2024 ECL @ Illinois Calendar
What You Will Learn
ECL graduates have the skill set necessary to become effective nonprofit volunteers, committee members, or board members. Plus, you'll grow your network of professional and caring colleagues with other ECL members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to find answers to some common questions about the program.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025 ECL @ Illinois program will be available in early 2025. Please fill out the interest list for more information and to be notified when the application opens.
For specific questions, contact Anne Clark Skuse at United Way of Champaign County.