For the third consecutive year, students at Lincoln Trail College are gaining real-world experience while making a tangible impact in the community through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The VITA program offers free tax preparation services to qualifying individuals, particularly those with low incomes and elderly residents. At Lincoln Trail College, the program is led by Associate Professor of Business Amie Mayhall and supported by students who complete IRS training and certification.

Mount Carmel, IL — Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) is excited to announce the release of its 2026 Summer Camps and 2026–2027 Community Education Catalog, offering engaging learning opportunities for students of all ages across the district.

Mount Carmel, IL — Wabash Valley College is proud to recognize three instructors who were selected by students to receive this year’s Student Senate instructor awards. The honors are based on student nominations and reflect the strong connections instructors build with students inside and outside the classroom.

Students from Illinois Eastern Community Colleges continued a tradition of success at the state level, earning multiple top finishes at the Future Business Leaders of America State Competition. Jessica Wagner led the way with first-place finishes in the Accounting Case Competition and Hospitality Management. Brandy Cochran earned first place in the Marketing and Sales Case Competition, while Emelyn Rivera placed first in Sports Management and Marketing and third in Business Presentation.

Walking into the nation’s capital, Al Crosley knew he carried more than just his own story. The Lincoln Trail College student was one of four Illinois Eastern Community Colleges students selected to attend the 2026 TRIO Policy Seminar, where students from across the country met with lawmakers to advocate for continued funding for TRIO programs.  “It was really cool,” Crosley said. “It was scary because it’s a pretty important thing to be doing. But it made me feel like I was having a part in something.”

High school seniors across southeastern Illinois who have already taken college classes or explored entrepreneurship while still in school will soon have another opportunity waiting for them after graduation. Through Illinois Eastern Community Colleges’ new Running Start program, eligible students who participated in dual credit courses or the CEO entrepreneurship program will receive a three-credit tuition waiver they can use for a class at IECC after graduating from high school.

Lincoln Trail College will soon offer agriculture courses on its campus, creating a new pathway for students interested in careers in one of the region’s most important industries. Beginning this fall, Lincoln Trail College will offer agriculture courses designed to introduce students to the field and prepare them to continue their studies through Illinois Eastern Community Colleges’ agriculture programs. LTC President Tona Ambrose said the launch reflects years of interest from students, schools and community members.

Written by: Delaney Williams MOUNT CARMEL, Ill. - Nine students from Wabash Valley College recently traveled to Branson, Missouri, to compete in the 2026 National Professional Agriculture Students (PAS) Conference, earning multiple top finishes in both team and individual events.

The Olney Central College Music Department has vocal and instrumental scholarships available for the 2026-2027 academic year. Any student who plays a band instrument or sings is eligible for consideration, regardless of major. To schedule an audition and interview, contact Dr. Andrew Pittman at pittmana@iecc.edu or Jena Combs at combsj3@iecc.edu.

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges will host its first-ever coordinated Day of Giving on March 31, inviting alumni, businesses, and community members to support student success across its four campuses. The 24-hour event will feature fundraising efforts led by the foundations of Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College. Each campus will focus on raising support for scholarships, programs, and initiatives that benefit students.