Lincoln Trail College will host a Welding Open House on January 8 from 4 to 6 p.m., giving prospective students and community members an opportunity to meet the program’s new instructors and learn more about welding education and career pathways. The open house will feature LTC’s new welding faculty members Will Bookhout and Kenneth Pearson. Dennis York, a current LTC faculty member who is the lead instructor for the college’s Broadband Telecom program, will teach a course this spring on welding blueprints. 

Lincoln Trail College will bring two popular productions to the stage in summer 2026 as part of its Children’s Summer Theater and Young Adults Theater programs. This year’s lineup features Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDS for elementary-aged performers and Beetlejuice JR. for teens, offering students opportunities to learn performance skills, build confidence, and collaborate in a creative environment. Registration for the program will open in spring 2026. The cost is $150 per student, and enrollment will be limited.

Lincoln Trail College is expanding support for students preparing to enter the workforce with the opening of its Professional Clothing Closet, a free resource offering work-appropriate attire for job interviews, internships, and new employment.

Three Lincoln Trail College students are stepping into leadership roles on campus this year as part of the Student Ambassador program, a service-oriented team that represents the college during tours, events and outreach efforts. Emily Miller, Landry Price and Bella Nottger each bring unique strengths, backgrounds and future goals to their roles — and all share a commitment to helping others feel connected at LTC.

The buzzers were back at Lincoln Trail College as 12 high school teams competed in the Tip Off at the Trail Scholastic Bowl tournament on November 15. The event marked the return of a long-standing LTC tradition, bringing together students from across southeastern Illinois for a day of fast-paced academic competition. Cumberland High School took top honors, earning first place in the tournament. Marshall High School finished second, followed by Robinson High School in third and Edwards County High School in fourth.

Lincoln Trail College’s Student Senate is leading its annual food drive, collecting non-perishable items to support the LTCares Pantry and local families in need. Collection barrels are located outside the Zwermann Arts Center Theater, the Sports Center, the entrance of Williams Hall, and in Williams Hall Room 105. Monetary donations can be taken to the Student Services Office in Williams Hall. Donations will be accepted through December 1.

Lincoln Trail College and Crawford Memorial Hospital are now accepting applications for the 2026 Health and Wellness Coach program, a hands-on training experience for individuals interested in healthcare careers. Open to anyone who will be 18 years old by June 2, 2026, the program equips participants with the skills and knowledge to support local patients in developing healthier lifestyles—while gaining real-world experience alongside doctors, nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals.

Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) announced today construction is underway on the $13.4 million Career and Technical Training Center at Lincoln Trail College, one of four colleges within Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. 

When the 2025 Social Media Strategies Summit for Higher Education convenes this month, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) will once again have a voice on the national stage. Chris Forde, IECC’s Program Director of Marketing and Communications, has been invited for the second consecutive year to serve as a conference speaker, joining communications professionals from some of the nation’s most respected universities.

Lincoln Trail College is inviting young singers to take the stage this fall with the launch of a new Children’s Choir. Open to kids ages 5–11, the choir will meet from 6:30–7:30 p.m. on November 6, 13, 20, and December 4 in DeMent Auditorium. Under the direction of Rebecca Geffs, participants will learn songs, explore basic vocal techniques, and develop performance skills in a fun and supportive environment. The choir will make its debut performance on December 5 at 7 p.m. as part of Lincoln Trail College’s Fall Choral Concert.