Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important steps students can take to make college affordable, and Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is helping make the process easier through its FAFSA Fridays events.

Lincoln Trail College’s beloved Trick or Treat at the Trail returns on Thursday, October 23, from 4–6 p.m. The annual event offers families a fun and safe environment to celebrate Halloween and has become one of the community’s favorite fall traditions.

Grammy Award–winning artist Jimmy Fortune will perform live in concert at the Brubeck Theatre on Friday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Olney Central College is hosting information sessions for students interested in applying for Fall 2026 admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program. The one-hour meetings will be held in Dr. Kent L. Wattleworth Hall, Room 213 on the following dates: • October 8 at 1 p.m.  • November 14 at 2 p.m. • December 10 at 3 p.m. To make application to the nursing program, contact Julie Bullard at 618-847-9201, ext. 4520, and make an appointment to attend one of the upcoming meetings. Virtual sessions are scheduled for:

Olney Central College is hosting information sessions for students interested in applying for Fall 2026 admission to the Radiography Program. The one-hour meetings will be held in Dr. Kent L. Wattleworth Hall, Room 213 on the following dates: • October 17 at 2 p.m. • November 12 at 3 p.m. • December 12 at 2 p.m. To make application to the radiography program, contact Julie Bullard at 618-847-9201, ext. 4520, and make an appointment to attend one of the meetings. Virtual sessions will be offered on the following dates:

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges will host the Learning Commons Fall Tour this semester, giving faculty and staff an opportunity to learn more about the services available to support students. The events are open to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the resources provided by the Learning Commons. Each presentation will spotlight one of the key areas within the Learning Commons:

Mount Carmel, IL — Wabash Valley College will host two Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program Information Sessions

When Paige Hensley (‘22) arrived at Lincoln Trail College, she wasn’t sure exactly what her future would look like. What she did know was that she wanted to keep playing soccer and find a college that was affordable and close enough to home in Columbia, Missouri, but far enough away to push her toward independence.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, partnering with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, invites entrepreneurs to the final two Coffee Talk morning finance sessions. September 23: Depreciation - Impact on Financials & Taxes Learn how depreciation affects financial statements and tax obligations, including practical insights for managing depreciation schedules. September 30: Understanding Financial Statements

Lincoln Trail College has received a $100,000 grant from Marathon Petroleum Corporation to support the construction of LTC’s new Technology Center. The state-of-the-art facility will house the college’s Process Technology, Broadband Telecom, and Welding programs.