Office of Public Engagement + United Way of Champaign County
Emerging Community Leaders @ Illinois
Build your leadership. Strengthen your community. Expand your impact.
ECL@IL connects University of Illinois faculty and staff with nonprofit leaders and peers committed to community impact. Through interactive seminars, team-based learning, and real-world nonprofit exposure, participants build the knowledge, confidence, and relationships needed for meaningful community service and leadership.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are closed. Information about a future
cohort will be posted when available.
Program Overview
Leadership Development Through Community Service
Emerging Community Leaders @ Illinois is a partnership between the University of Illinois Office of Public Engagement and United Way of Champaign County.
The program helps faculty and staff deepen their connection to the community while growing their leadership capacity. It is open to Illinois faculty and staff who want to contribute through volunteering, committee service, nonprofit board leadership, or other forms of civic engagement.
Participants learn alongside colleagues from across campus, connect directly with nonprofit leaders, and identify meaningful pathways for continued involvement in Champaign County.
Review the 2026 Schedule and Program Overview
Program at a Glance
Designed for Meaningful, Manageable Participation
What You Will Experience
Five Interactive Learning Sessions
Participants develop practical knowledge and leadership skills through facilitated sessions focused on nonprofit service and community impact.
Finding Your Why
Clarify your personal connection to community impact and service.
Nonprofit Basics
Understand how local nonprofits operate, lead, and serve the community.
Board & Committee Service
Build practical skills for effective and meaningful leadership roles.
Fundraising for Impact
Learn how resources, relationships, and storytelling support nonprofit success.
Accountability & Leadership
Explore responsible, responsive, and community-centered leadership.
Learning in Action
Collaborate on a Real Community Need
In addition to seminars, participants complete a collaborative team project, connect with nonprofit leaders, and build relationships with colleagues across campus who share a commitment to community impact.
What You Will Gain
Skills, Connections, and Pathways to Serve
A stronger understanding of community needs and nonprofit operations
Skills for effective volunteer, board, and committee service
Expanded professional networks across campus and the community
Stronger leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement skills
Meaningful pathways for ongoing community involvement
Greater confidence contributing to nonprofit and community leadership
Start Here
New to Volunteering or Community Service?
Begin with the Finding Your Why seminar to explore your motivations, interests, and personal connection to community impact.
Cohort Information
Applications and Program Updates
The 2026 application period has closed. The cohort is intentionally limited to maintain a highly interactive and relationship-centered experience.
Information about a future cohort, including dates, eligibility, schedule, and the application process, will be posted on this page when available.
View the Most Recent Program OverviewWhy It Matters
Building a More Connected Campus-Community Ecosystem
ECL@IL reflects the University of Illinois’ commitment to community engagement, public service, and leadership development.
By investing in faculty and staff as community leaders, the program strengthens nonprofit partnerships, expands the university’s community impact, and develops a network of people prepared to serve with knowledge, humility, and purpose.
Leadership development becomes community impact when people have the knowledge, relationships, and confidence to serve.
Questions?
Connect With the Office of Public Engagement
Contact us for questions about the program, future cohort information, or other opportunities to become involved in community service and nonprofit leadership.