Business and Community Partners

Arts, Communications and Marketing

City of Elgin Arts Program
Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Elgin Youth Symphony
Explore Elgin Area
Image Design Marketing
Ivangel Boutique
Ivangel Dance Studio
James Harvey Photography
JL Espindola Photography
Keith French Photography
Wolko Design Group, Inc.

Automotive and Heavy Equipment Maintenance

AED Foundation
AHW
ALTA
Altorfer CAT
Biggers Chevrolet
Bob Loquercio Auto Group
Durham School Services
KS Autocare
Lincoln College of Technology
Mechanics Local 701
NAPA Auto Parts
Pace Suburban Bus
Standard Equipment
Truck Country
Universal Technical Institute
West Side Tractor Sales

Business, Culinary, Financial Services, and IT

American Community Bank & Trust
Associated Bank
Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets
Braden
Centre of Elgin
Centro de Informacion
Cherry Bekaert
ComEd
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois
Convergint
Cosmetology and Spa Academy
Culvers
Downtown Neighborhood Association
Edward Jones
Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce
Elgin Development Group
Elgin Hispanic Network
Elgin State Bank/Wintrust
Eric J. Fernandez & Co.
First Mid Bank and Trust
Fox Valley SHRM
Gather Pingree Grove
Gowns for Good
Hagg Press
Hampshire Farms
Illinois Department of Employment Security
IPR Tech Group/79Ratio
Junior Achievement of Chicago
Kane County Teachers Credit Union
Keller Williams Success Realty
Lincoln Avenue Barber Shop
LSI
Manpower
MentorMe Advisors
Microsoft
Motorola
Official Finders
Old Second National Bank
Opiquad, LLC
Organic Life Smart Food Service
Realtor Association of the Fox Valley
Responsive Mailroom
Rosati’s
Santa’s Village
Segucci Home Team – Baird & Warner
South Elgin Economic Development Group
State Farm Insurance
Talent First
Tandem HR
Target
The Haight
The Housing Authority of Elgin
The Overture Group
Transfr
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
United Way Metro Chicago
workNet Batavia
Zillion Technologies, Inc.
Zurich Insurance

Education

Aurora University
Bartlett Park District
Bartlett Public Library
Boys and Girls Club of Elgin
Bradley University
Butler University
College of DuPage
DePaul University
Dominican University
Eastern Illinois University
ECC Trio Programs
Educators Rising
Elgin Community College
Elgin Partnership for Early Learning
Elmhurst University
Gail Borden Public Library
Golden Corridor Family YMCA
Grand Valley State University
Hamilton Wings
Harper College
Honest Game
Howard University
Illinois Education Association
Illinois State University
Indiana University
Iowa State University
Judson University
Junior Achievement of Chicago
Lewis University
Lincoln College of Technology
Literacy Connection
Loyola University
Marquette University
Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Morehouse College
NISRA
North Central College
Northern Illinois University
Northern Iowa University
Northern Kane County Region 110 CTE
NTN Bearing Corporation
Poplar Creek Library
Precious Angels
Primrose School of South Elgin
Purdue University
Roosevelt University
Rosalind Franklin University
School District 300
School District 301
School District 303
School District U-46
School District U-46 CAC
South Elgin Parks and Rec.
Southern Illinois University
Streamwood Park District
Taylor Family YMCA
The Learning Tree
Two Rivers Head Start
Universal Technical Institute
University of Dayton
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Missouri
University of Wisconsin – Madison
University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin- White Water
Valparaiso University
Western Illinois University
Young Rembrandts
Youth Empowerment Program
YWCA of Elgin

Engineering, Manufacturing, and Welding

Advanced Compressor
Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical
Camcraft
CISCO
Custom Aluminum Products
Electriflex
Elgin Industries
Elgin Sweeper
Fermilab
Flender Corporation
General Kinematics
Greater Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP)
Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick
HARTING Inc. of North America
Hoffer Plastics
IBEW Local 117
IBEW Local 196
IHC Construction
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
ITW Shakeproof
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.
Lakeview Precision Machining
Lauderdale Electric
LyondellBasell
Manufacturing Careers Internship Program
Matrix
Middleby Marshall
MKD Electric
Nicor Gas
ProDriven Global Brands
Reishauer
Rieke Office Interiors
Service Concepts
Shales McNutt
WT Group
YouthBuild

First Responder

A-TEC Ambulance
Bartlett Police Department
Elgin Community College Fire Safety
Elgin Explorer Program
Elgin Fire Department
Elgin Police Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Hanover Park Fire Department
Hanover Township Emergency Services
Lifeline Ambulance
U.S. Armed Forces
West Dundee Fire Department

Healthcare

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Advocate Sherman Hospital
Ascension St. Joseph Hospital
Athletico
AVID CNA School
Diamond Physical Therapy
Family Service Association of Greater Elgin
Forest View Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
Fox River Rehab and Healthcare
Fox Valley Orthopedic Associates, S.C.
Greater Family Health
High Point Dentistry
Highland Oaks of Elgin
Kane County Health Department
OrthoIllinois
Streamwood Behavioral Health Care
The Atrium at Oak Crest Residence
The Oaks at Bartlett
Visiting Nurses Association
VNA Health Care
Well Child Center

Human Services

Ariano, Hardy, Ritt
City of Elgin
Community Crisis Center
Elgin Coalition of Religious Leaders
Hanover Township
Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services
Second Baptist Church of Elgin

Municipalities

City of Elgin
Elgin Township
Hanover Township
Kane County Jobs Committee
Kane County Sheriff’s Office
State Representative Anna Moeller
State Representative Fred Crespo
State Senator Cristina Castro
State Senator Don DeWitte
U.S. Congressman Krishnamoorthi
Village of Bartlett
Village of Hanover Park
Village of Hoffman Estates
Village of South Elgin
Village of Streamwood

Philanthropy

Gail Borden Public Library Foundation
Grand Victoria Foundation
Hoffer Foundation
School District U-46 Foundation
Seigle Foundation

Veterinary Science

Anderson Humane
Pet Tech
Tails Humane

Why Alignment?

Businesses in surrounding areas should partner with Alignment Collaborative for Education (ACE) in Elgin because investing in regional education and workforce development benefits the local economy and the businesses. Here’s why:

1. Access to a Skilled Workforce

ACE helps bridge the gap between education and industry needs by preparing students with relevant job skills.
Companies can shape training programs, ensuring future employees are job ready.

2. Expansion of Talent Pipelines

Even businesses outside of Elgin benefit from a more assertive regional workforce.
Engaging with ACE gives companies early access to motivated interns and entry-level workers.

3. Economic Growth and Stability

When businesses invest in education, it leads to higher employment rates and a more stable economy, benefiting the entire region.
A skilled workforce attracts more businesses, creating a thriving business ecosystem.

4. Enhanced Community Reputation and Corporate Social Responsibility

Companies that contribute to workforce development are seen as community leaders.
Supporting ACE initiatives demonstrates a commitment to education, diversity, and opportunity.

5. Networking and Business Collaboration

Partnering with ACE connects businesses with schools, community organizations, and other companies.
These connections can lead to new business opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Collaborate with ACE

Businesses can collaborate with Alignment Collaborative for Education (ACE) in several impactful ways:

1. Host Internships & Apprenticeships

Offer high school students real-world experience through paid or unpaid internships.
Provide apprenticeships to help students transition directly into skilled trades and professional careers.

2. Participate in Career Exploration Programs

Host career days, industry tours, or job shadowing opportunities to introduce students to your industry.
Serve as a guest speaker or mentor in schools to share industry insights.

3. Join ACE’s Business & Community Partners Network

Collaborate with educators and workforce leaders to design career readiness programs.
Influence curriculum to ensure students are learning skills relevant to your industry.

4. Support Workforce Readiness Programs

Contribute to ACE’s educational pathways, teacher pipeline, and the Elgin Neighborhood Network, which focus on career pathways.
Offer expertise in resume building, interview coaching, or leadership training.

5. Provide Financial or In-Kind Support

Sponsor ACE events or donate equipment, technology, or resources for student learning.
Help fund workforce development programs and scholarships.

6. Engage in the Elgin Neighborhood Network (ENN)

Partner with ACE on community-based initiatives that improve education, healthcare, and family support.

Contact ACE

Businesses can contact ACE at 224-227-7534 or email ace@align4edu.org to get involved.