Education

This year, we received more than 800 applications from students across Northern Kane County, each showcasing unique strengths and perspectives. With only 200 internship positions available, the selection process was highly competitive. Administrators from Northern Kane County Region 110, the Alignment Collaborative for Education, and School Districts U-46, 300, 301, and 303 carefully reviewed the applications to identify the best matches. Currently, students are being interviewed and offered positions by host organizations across the region with the summer internships scheduled to begin as early as June 3.

Seniors from Elgin and Streamwood high schools’ automotive programs joined Altorfer CAT on March 24 to tour the East Dundee facility to learn more about the ThinkBig program.  This apprenticeship program combines work and school benefiting students with paid work time in Altorfer’s facilities while also earning their associates degree. Students begin by enrolling in the program in applied science at Illinois Central College attending eight weeks of classes followed by an eight-week, paid internship experience starting at $18.50 per hour.

At the completion of the associate degree program, students selected for full-time employment receive a 50% reimbursement of tuition costs and after three years of employment, they receive the remaining 50% reimbursement.  Graduates receiving job offers from Altorfer can expect their hourly rate to increase substantially to over $30 per hour upon completion of the ThinkBIG program.

The Alignment Collaborative for Education, Northern Kane County Region 110, and School District U-46 greatly appreciate the Altorfer team and the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) making this experience possible for these students as they prepare to graduate in May.

Happy Holidays to our business, community and school partners! 
We wish you a prosperous 2025.

Your time and talents are critical to the success of Alignment’s work as we launch programs throughout school districts U-46, 300, and 301. Upcoming events include:

• January 15 – Streamwood HS Career and Technical Panel
• January 16 – U-46 Resume, Interview, and Internship Preparation Workshop
• January 22 – ECC Education Day
• January 23 – D301 Resume, Interview, and Internship Preparation Workshop
• January 29 – Internship Host Breakfast
• February 6 – U-46 Resume, Interview, and Internship Preparation Workshop
• February 25 – D300 Resume, Interview, and Internship Preparation Workshop
• March 4 – U-46 Sophomore/Junior Postsecondary Day
• March 13 – U-46 Resume, Interview, and Internship Preparation Workshop
• April 15 – Judson University Education Visit
• April 24 – Career & Technical Education (CTE) Job Fair
• June/July – Summer Internships

Our goal is simple:
Give students the opportunity to graduate academic and career ready by exposing them to quality, work-based learning opportunities aligned with their interest and talents.

Thank you for all you do to help us achieve that goal.