Olney Central College is offering a variety of immersive and engaging camps for young learners this summer as part of the Ignite Curiosity program through Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. Designed to spark interest in high-demand careers, healthcare, science, music, and the skilled trades, the 2025 lineup features eight diverse camps for students ranging from first grade through high school.

Lincoln Trail College is offering a series of engaging and educational summer camps for area youth through the 2025 Ignite Curiosity program, part of a district-wide initiative by Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. These hands-on camps give students the opportunity to explore careers, learn new skills, and experience global culture in fun, age-appropriate ways. Four distinct offerings are available at LTC this summer. Welding Camp Two sessions will be offered on June 9 at the Red McCoy Welding Center:

Four Lincoln Trail College Process Technology students recently tested their skills on a national stage, competing in the North American Process Technology Alliance’s Troubleshooting Skills Competition — and gaining a firsthand look at the industry they’re preparing to enter. Students Madison Davis, Kollin Ramos, Reeve Dennis, and Garrett Winterrowd represented LTC in the event, which challenges students from across the country to solve simulated industrial problems using Distributed Control Systems (DCS), teamwork, and real-world troubleshooting.

Lincoln Trail College welcomed approximately 100 high school and college students on May 1 for the 2025 Future Educators Summit, a one-day event designed to motivate, inform and prepare the next generation of teachers and education leaders.

Olney Central College will hold its 61st commencement exercises at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 9 in the OCC Gymnasium. Friends and relatives of the graduates are invited to attend. OCC Dean of Instruction Amy Tarr will give the welcoming remarks while Chris Simpson will deliver the President’s Message. Julie A. Hill will present the 2025 Commencement Address. Hill is the Board Chair of GA Franchising and co-founder of Ginger Ale’s, a growing chain of specialty drink shops.

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges announced the appointment of Paul Tait as the district’s next Chief Information Officer, effective May 12, 2025. Tait will succeed Alex Cline, who is retiring after nearly three decades of service.

After nearly three decades of service to Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Chief Information Officer Alex Cline is preparing for retirement, leaving behind a legacy defined by innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the institution and its people.

After more than two decades of planning, Lincoln Trail College is set to break ground later this year on a state-of-the-art Technology Center that will house high-demand programs in Welding, Process Technology, and Broadband Telecommunications. The new facility will enhance technical education across the region, offering hands-on training aligned with local industry needs and statewide workforce priorities.  

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) is proud to announce two major leadership appointments that reflect the district’s continued commitment to academic excellence, student success, and regional responsiveness.   Dr. Cathy Stennett Robb has been named the next Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Sharmila Kakac has been appointed President of Frontier Community College, where she will also serve as Vice Chancellor for Business and Industry for the district.