Elgin Community College

Other milestones included the implementation of ECC's first vocational/technical program—nursing—in June 1965; and earning accreditation from the North Central Association in March 1968.

To accommodate the needs of a growing college district, voters approved a referendum in April 1967 to purchase 100 acres from the city of Elgin for approximately $51,000 to build a new campus.

After the Illinois Board of Higher Education approved the project, the groundbreaking took place on December 24, 1968, with the first phase of the campus, addressed as 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin, opened in September 1970.

On April 7, 2009, voters approved a $178 million bond referendum for the college to build a new academic library and learning center, health careers center, and regional public safety training facility as part of its Facilities Master Plan.

It offers day and evening classes, ESL, adult basic education, and career skills development.

The center also includes a three-story burn tower and ponds for rescue diving and firefighter training.

The college also offers adult and basic education; high school equivalency instruction and testing; citizenship preparation; English as a second language (ESL); and workforce development for employers.

Some program examples are Students Educationally Receiving Volunteer Experience (SERVE) and Spartan Leaders.

Other programs have included The Big Event, in which students participated in service opportunities for different agencies and organizations throughout District 509.

Notable acts that have performed at the college include Victor Wooten, the touring production of “The Producers,” Arlo Guthrie, and the cast of “Jersey Boys.” Student athletes compete in regional and national tournaments in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and in the Illinois Skyway Conference.

ECC's intercollegiate athletics offer students the opportunity to compete, develop skills, and acquire leadership and teamwork experiences.