ECL @ Illinois

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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign South Quad on a spring day

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.

Read our Learning Outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to find answers to some common questions about the program.

How to Apply

The application period is open now! Please apply by Friday, March 15, 2024 at noon.

 

For specific questions, contact Anne Clark Skuse at United Way of Champaign County.

Apply for ECL @ Illinois

Status message

The ECL application for 2024 is now closed.
Please email anne@unitedwaychampaign.org if you have questions.