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.”

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.

Lincoln Trail College is inviting alumni, community members, and supporters to come together on March 31 for the college’s first-ever Day of Giving. The 24-hour event will bring attention to the ways community support helps students succeed while strengthening the programs and opportunities available on campus. The effort is part of a coordinated Day of Giving across Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, with each campus foundation focusing on supporting its local students and priorities.

Lincoln Trail College welcomed high school students from across the region to campus for its annual Celebrate Art! Day, an event designed to showcase student artwork while providing an educational experience in the arts. Students in grades 9-12 from area schools, including Robinson, Oblong, Palestine, Hutsonville, Marshall, Lawrenceville, Red Hill and Richland County, participated in the event by submitting artwork for display and competition.

More than a century ago, two sisters from southern Illinois helped lay the foundation for nursing education in the region. Today, their legacy will continue through a new scholarship supporting the next generation of nurses at Lincoln Trail College. Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, the Lincoln Trail College Foundation will award the Katharina and Philomina Weber Nursing Scholarship to a student enrolled in the college’s Nursing program. The scholarship honors the Weber sisters’ lasting contributions to nursing care and education in southeastern Illinois.

Lincoln Trail College hosted the Academic Challenge for Engineering and Science (ACES) Competition on March 2, welcoming more than 125 students from nine area high schools to campus. The ACES Competition provides high school students the opportunity to test their knowledge in subjects related to engineering and science, including mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. Students select subject areas and complete exams designed to challenge their understanding and problem-solving abilities.

Career and Technical Education Month at Lincoln Trail College is shining a spotlight on programs where students learn by doing, gaining hands-on experience and developing skills tied directly to in-demand careers. Across Career and Technical Education programs such as Process Technology, Telecommunications, Certified Medical Assistant and Welding, students say the opportunity to work with real equipment and learn in active lab environments has been a defining part of their college experience.

Lincoln Trail College alumna Krista Phillips ('24) was crowned Miss Illinois County Fair Queen, a moment she described as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and a powerful reflection of her journey as both a student and competitor. “I was in disbelief that my name was called,” Phillips said. “I kept thinking, I really did it. My dreams were fulfilled, prayers answered, and waves of gratitude kept pouring over me.”

Lincoln Trail College has announced the cast for its spring production of Disney’s Newsies, the Tony Award-winning musical based on the 1992 Disney film. Performances will take place April 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m., with matinees April 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. in the Zwermann Arts Center Theater.

The Learning Commons at Lincoln Trail College was filled with creativity and community earlier this month as the college hosted its annual Children’s Art Show, featuring artwork from students across the region. The exhibit included 103 pieces of art created by students ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade. Participating schools were Hutsonville Junior High, New Hebron Christian School, Nuttall Middle School, Oblong Grade School and Junior High, and Palestine Grade School and Junior High.