If you were affected by the closure of Champion Labs, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is ready to support you with training, financial assistance, and career services. You don't have to figure this out alone.
Help Based on Your Situation
Choose what best describes you. The page will update to show what's most relevant.
Start by attending a Rapid Response Meeting for coordinated support and immediate next steps. These sessions bring together state and local agencies to help with unemployment benefits, job search assistance, and more.
As the spouse of a displaced Champion Labs employee, you may also have access to support services. Start by attending a Rapid Response Meeting together for coordinated support and immediate next steps.
For IECC Students with an Affected Parent/Guardian
If a parent or guardian in your household has been impacted, IECC's Financial Aid office can review your situation and discuss options due to changes in household income. We are committed to helping you continue your education.
Go to Paying for Training for FAFSA steps and special circumstance guidance.
Sudden changes in employment can create concern about your student's ability to continue. IECC works closely with students and families to review financial aid options when household income changes.
Start with Paying for Training to review FAFSA and special circumstance options.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is working with state and local partners to host Rapid Response Support Meetings for employees affected by the closure of Champion Labs.
These meetings are important.
You may be entitled to benefits and services that can help you during this transition. At these meetings, you can learn about your rights and the support available to you.
Representatives from several agencies will be available to answer questions and provide guidance on:
Unemployment benefits and common questions
Health insurance coverage options
401(k) and retirement benefit guidance
Utility assistance programs
Training and education opportunities
Attending a Rapid Response meeting helps ensure you do not miss benefits or services you may qualify for.
This is your opportunity to receive accurate information and speak directly with experts who can help you understand your next steps.
Presenting Agencies
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
Southern 14 Workforce Investment Board (LWIA 26)
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
U.S. Department of Labor / Employee Benefits Security Administration
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
Location
Frontier Community College
2 Frontier Dr., Fairfield, IL 62837
Workforce Development Building
Workshop Schedule (by first letter of your last name)
Thursday, March 5
10:00 a.m. — Last names A–E
Thursday, March 5
1:30 p.m. — Last names F–J
Friday, March 6
10:00 a.m. — Last names K–O
Friday, March 6
1:30 p.m. — Last names P–T
Monday, March 9
10:00 a.m. — Last names U–Z (and anyone unable to attend earlier)
This page includes essential information on healthcare coverage, reemployment and training services, and unemployment insurance.
Upcoming Events
🛠️ Work Readiness Lab
Join us to prepare for your next opportunity and get personalized support for your career and education goals. These open labs offer:
Open computer labs with in-person assistance
Help with resumes, cover letters, and applications (job and/or school)
GED intake and consultation
Career Interest Inventory
Interview coaching
Free printing
Testing services
ADA consultations and overview
Free coffee ☕
Dates & Locations
Mon, March 9
WVC Learning Commons — 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Albion Senior Citizens' Center — 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tue, March 10
FCC Learning Commons — Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Wed, March 11
OCC Learning Commons — Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Thu, March 12
WVC Learning Commons — Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Fri, March 13
FCC Learning Commons — 9:00 a.m. to Noon
💻 Basic Computer Skills Classes
Free one-day sessions are available at each IECC campus. All sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Date
Location
Room
Tue, March 17
Albion
Location TBD
Wed, March 18
Wabash Valley College
Main Hall 205
Thu, March 19
Frontier Community College
EP Building Classroom
Fri, March 20
Olney Central College
Wattleworth Hall 206
Fast-Track Training Options
These short-term training options are designed to help Champion Labs employees get back to work as soon as possible. Most can be finished in days, weeks, or one semester.
Not sure where to start? That's okay. We can help you choose the option that fits your goals.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Training
Time to Complete
OSHA 10
2 days
OSHA 30
1 week
SACA Credentials (choose a topic: PLC, Basic AC/DC, Motor Control, Pneumatics, Hydraulics)
3–4 weeks per topic
MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT)
3–4 weeks per module
Forklift Certification
1 day
Aerial Lifts Certification
1 day
Basic Computer Skills
Varies
New Miner Training
5 days
Gas Utility Training
2 weeks
EMT / EMR
1 semester (may be offered in a shorter format)
Food Safety
2 days
Logistics
Training
Time to Complete
Certified Logistics
4–6 weeks
Healthcare Entry Roles
Training
Time to Complete
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
7 weeks
Want to learn more? You can attend a Rapid Response meeting or call IECC to speak with an advisor.
Paying for Training
You may qualify for financial assistance.
Many displaced workers are eligible for funding that can significantly reduce — or even fully cover — the cost of training. Our staff will help you understand your options and guide you through each step.
Two Ways Training May Be Paid For
Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grants (do not need to be repaid)
Scholarships (do not need to be repaid)
Student loans (must be repaid)
Determined by completing the FAFSA.
Workforce or Agency Funding
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)
CEFS
WADI
Other state or community workforce programs
Often paid directly to the college. Usually does not require repayment.
If You Recently Lost Your Job
A recent job loss may impact your financial aid eligibility. If you were affected by the closure of Champion Labs, you can indicate on the FAFSA that you are a displaced worker.
IECC can review your situation and adjust aid eligibility through a Special Circumstance appeal if appropriate.
Attending summer 2026? Complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA.
Attending fall 2026? Complete the 2026–2027 FAFSA.
When prompted, allow the IRS to securely import tax information.
Step 2: Request a Special Circumstance Appeal
After submitting your FAFSA, contact an IECC Financial Aid office immediately. This process allows income adjustments due to job loss for you, a parent, a spouse, or a parent-spouse.
Step 3: Submit Required Documentation
Provide documentation related to the loss of income
Need Help? Call: 618-544-8657 — Our Financial Aid team will guide you through each step. You are not alone in this process.
Funding Options That May Be Available
Federal Pell Grant — Based on income and does not need to be repaid. Many adults returning to school are surprised to learn they qualify. Completing the FAFSA is required.
WIOA Dislocated Worker Funding — Because this was a permanent closure, many affected employees may qualify. WIOA may help cover tuition, books, required materials, and training-related costs. IECC works closely with local workforce partners to help eligible individuals apply.
Short-Term Training Support — Some short-term programs may qualify for workforce grants, employer-sponsored training partnerships, and additional local funding sources. Details are being finalized.
Not Sure What You Qualify For?
Schedule a free appointment with an IECC Financial Aid representative to review your situation and identify the best funding pathway.
Scholarships & Community Resources
In addition to federal and workforce funding, local scholarships and community organizations may be able to provide assistance.
Foundation Scholarship Opportunities
Each IECC campus offers general foundation scholarships. Deadlines vary.
Olney Central College
Deadline: February 27, 2026 Apply Here
Wabash Valley College
Deadline: March 1, 2026 Apply Here
Frontier Community College
Deadline: March 31, 2026 Apply Here
Workforce & Employment Resources
National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) — Federal funding that supports career services and training for workers affected by large-scale layoffs. Learn More
Illinois WIOA Dislocated Worker Program — Provides training, career services, and job search assistance through local American Job Centers. Learn More
Community Assistance Resources
If you need additional support during this transition:
Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI)
119 W 12th Street, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863 · 618-262-4151
Monday–Thursday, 7:30am–5:00pm · Website
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation
Olney Central College, Room 208A, 305 N West Street, Olney, IL · 618-392-7777
Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm · Website
Giving Hope Olney Food Pantry
600 South Camp Ave, Olney, IL 62454 · 618-843-0885
Mount Zion Church Food Pantry (West Salem)
Open Friday mornings
Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen
200 W Main St., Fairfield, IL · 618-599-7436
Hot meals Monday–Saturday, 11:30am–1:00pm
WIC – Wayne County Health Department
405 North Basin Road, Fairfield, IL · 618-842-5166
You're Not Alone
This closure affects families across our region. IECC is committed to supporting our community during this transition.
Start by attending a Rapid Response Support Meeting.
These meetings explain your rights and the benefits you may be entitled to, including unemployment, health insurance options, retirement guidance, utility assistance, and training programs.
This is the most important first step to make sure you do not miss support that may be available to you.
After attending, IECC can help you explore training and funding options.
You do not have to go through this alone.
Do I have to enroll in a full degree program?
No. Many short-term certificates can be completed in weeks or a single semester. Some credentials can later apply toward a degree if you choose to continue.
Am I too old to go back to school?
No. Many IECC students are adult learners returning to school after years in the workforce. Our programs are designed to support working adults.
Can I afford to go back to school?
Many displaced workers qualify for financial assistance, including Federal Pell Grants and WIOA Dislocated Worker funding. Some funding may cover tuition, books, and training-related costs. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your specific situation.
What is WIOA Dislocated Worker funding?
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding is designed to help individuals who lose their jobs due to permanent closures or layoffs. It may help cover training costs for eligible individuals.
Do I need to complete the FAFSA?
Yes. Completing the FAFSA is required to determine eligibility for Pell Grants and some other funding sources. If you were affected by the closure of Champion Labs, you can indicate that you are a displaced worker. IECC staff can assist you with the application.
What if my income was higher in previous years?
Recent job loss may impact your eligibility for financial aid. Speak with a financial aid advisor about your situation.
How long does training take?
Some programs can be finished in as little as one day. Others take two days, a few weeks, or one semester.
We will help you find the option that gets you back to work as quickly as possible.
Can I work while taking classes?
Many students continue working while completing short-term training. An advisor can help you build a schedule that fits your situation.
Will IECC help me find a job after training?
IECC offers resume assistance, interview preparation, career assessments, and connections with regional employers.
I've never written a resume before. Can someone help me?
Yes. Rapid Response meetings and IECC staff can assist with resumes, job search platforms, and interview preparation.
Do I need to attend a Rapid Response meeting to get help?
Rapid Response meetings are strongly encouraged. These sessions bring together IECC and regional workforce partners to provide coordinated support, including unemployment guidance and other state and local resources.
IECC staff can provide one-on-one assistance related to training programs, financial aid, and enrollment at any time. However, some services offered at the Rapid Response meetings may only be available through those coordinated sessions.
If you are unable to attend on March 5, 6, or 9, contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your education and training options.
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