Program Details

Brandon learned about the Future Workforce Leaders program at Elgin Community College while he was a senior in high school in 2019. He was particularly interested in the training services available to youth. After he graduated, he contacted one of the FWL coordinators to find out more about the eligibility process. He stated he was enrolled in ESL classes during high school and preferred to communicate with someone who was bilingual. His main priority at the time was to improve his English skills in order to gain better employment and possibly start general education classes at ECC.

Brandon qualified as an out-of-school youth with an automatic qualifier as an English Learner. Shortly after starting the program, he enrolled in the Intensive English Program at ECC funded via an ITA. In 2020 he passed the required college placement tests and began college level courses. His first semester at ECC was challenging for him and many college students. COVID-19 challenged both teachers and students to successfully provide online instruction and for students to learn independently. Despite these challenges, Brandon completed his first semester with a 3.0 GPA. Brandon was also assisted with Supportive Services involving gas cards to be able to attend in-person classes, his Paid Work Experience, and other events at ECC.

Due to COVID-19, Brandon also experienced other challenges. The restaurant where he worked as a dish washer was limited in services and was not giving him enough hours. He reached out to the job developer to discuss paid work experience to supplement to his wages at the restaurant, and provide much needed financial support to his mother and younger siblings. First, the job developer assisted him with creating a resume because at the time he did not have one. After his resume was created with the assistance of the job developer, because of Brandon’s interests and career pathway, he was placed at ECC’s Early Childhood Education Center. He worked as a teacher assistant during the day before or after his classes at ECC. After successfully completing 12 weeks of paid work experience, the Early Childhood Education Center hired Brandon as a student worker. He has worked for the college since August of 2021.

Brandon is a hard worker and determined young man. His goal is to become a high school Spanish teacher. He has completed 50 credit hours and currently holds a 3.0 GPA. He is on track to graduating in May of 2023 and hopes to transfer to NIU’s College of Education. He is also working at two different establishments. In addition to working at ECC as a teacher assistant, he works 20 hours a week at the Hanover Township as an after-school care attendant. As a care assistant, he assists children with afterschool activities such as homework, crafts, games, snacks, outdoor play. He really loves both his jobs and is grateful to be working with children. Brandon has grown since starting the program. He is more confident in his abilities, participates in volunteer activities, and puts 110% effort into everything he does. Our ECC team is honored to have Brandon as a participant in the program.