Office of the Chancellor
Office of Public EngagementEmerging Community Leaders @ Illinois (ECL@IL)
Build your leadership. Strengthen your community. Expand your impact.
New to volunteering or community service?
Start with our Finding Your Why session.
Program Overview
Emerging Community Leaders @ Illinois (ECL@IL) is a partnership between the University of Illinois Office of Public Engagement and United Way of Champaign County designed to help faculty and staff deepen their connection to the community while growing their leadership capacity.
ECL@IL is open to all University of Illinois faculty and staff who want to make a difference in Champaign County through nonprofit service as volunteers, committee members, or board leadership.
Through interactive seminars, peer connection, and real-world nonprofit exposure, participants gain the knowledge, confidence, and relationships needed to make meaningful contributions to the local community.
What You’ll Experience
Participants join a cohort of Illinois faculty and staff for a series of interactive seminars designed to deepen community understanding and strengthen leadership through service, including:
Finding Your Why
Clarify your personal connection to community impact.
Nonprofit Basics
Understand how local nonprofits operate and serve the community.
Effective Board & Committee Service
Build skills for meaningful leadership roles.
Fundraising for Impact
Learn how resources and relationships drive nonprofit success.
Accountability & Community Leadership
Explore responsible, responsive leadership in community settings.
Participants also work on a collaborative team project addressing a real community need, connect with nonprofit leaders, and build relationships with colleagues across campus who share a commitment to community impact.
What You’ll Gain
By the end of the program, participants typically:
- ✓Develop a stronger understanding of community needs and nonprofit operations
- ✓Build skills for effective volunteer, board, or committee service
- ✓Expand professional networks across campus and the community
- ✓Strengthen leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement skills
- ✓Identify meaningful pathways for ongoing community involvement
Time Commitment
The program typically runs April through June and includes:
- Five interactive seminars
- Participation in a collaborative team project
- Opportunities for volunteer and networking events
Plan for about two hours per week in addition to scheduled sessions.
Next Cohort Information
Applications for the 2026 Emerging Community Leaders @ Illinois cohort open Monday, February 23, 2026. Faculty and staff from all campus units are welcome to apply.
Cohort size is intentionally limited to maintain a highly interactive experience.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Monday, March 22, 2026
Why It Matters
ECL@IL reflects the University of Illinois’ commitment to community engagement, public service, and leadership development. By investing in faculty and staff as community leaders, the program strengthens partnerships, expands impact, and builds a more connected campus-community ecosystem.