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, over six hundred 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 four educational seminars:
- Finding Your Why
- Nonprofit Basics
- How to be an effective Board/Committee member
- Fundraising for Impact
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 2023 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 have made new friends with your fellow ECL members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to find answers to some common questions about the program.
How to Apply
Scroll down to join our interest list for the 2024 ECL @ Illinois program!
The 2023 program is full.
For specific questions, contact Paula Santiago at United Way of Champaign County.