Align4edu

Alignment Collaborative for Education - ACE

Post Secondary Education

What a Difference a Week Makes!

Investing in youth…
Preparing the future workforce.

1 drones
Inaugural drone internship is a hit, hosted by Central School District 301.
2 elgin swat
First Responder interns meet and train with the City of Elgin SWAT team.
3 ecker center
Ecker Center partnering with Alignment and the Elgin Neighborhood Network launches the first behavioral health internship program.
4 bartlett hills
Culinary students prepare for guests at Village of Bartlett’s Bartlett Hills, experimenting with culinary and hospitality professions.
5 west side tractor
Automotive students from School Districts U-46 and 300 experience careers in heavy equipment maintenance at West Side Tractor.
6 abc toon town
ABC Toon Town helps students experience early education professions partnering together and building the future teacher pipeline.
7 hanover park fire
Future First Responder interns are welcomed at the Hanover Park Fire Department summer internship in its third year.
8 hanover township aging services
Hanover Township introduces students to human services professions specializing in aging services.
9 elgin sweeper
For over five years Elgin Sweeper continues to partner, preparing high school interns for critical roles in manufacturing.
10 pharmacy double
Future pharmacists work with professional pharmacists in the classroom, visit Midwestern University School of Pharmacy, and shadow in the pharmacies of Advocate Good Shepherd and Advocate Sherman hospitals.
11 hanover township emergency services
Partnering with Bartlett Police, Hanover Park Fire, and Hanover Township prepares First Responder interns for emergency services.
12 judson architecture
Students interested in architectural and design careers visit Judson University’s Department of Architecture.

Sophomore/Junior Postsecondary Day Reaches Over 3,600 Students!

More than 30 universities, colleges, and organizations joined Alignment and School District U-46 for the Sophomore/Junior Virtual Postsecondary Day on March 4. This large-scale Zoom event reached over 3,600 students, exposing them to a multitude of college and career pathways.

As they met with admissions counselors and visiting faculty, students gained valuable guidance for their academic and professional endeavors. Throughout the day and across 32 different Zoom sessions, students had access to key resources:

  • Industry-specific college panels highlighting top program offerings across the Arts, Automotive, Business, Education, Engineering, Healthcare and Manufacturing industries
  • Information regarding Elgin Community College’s FAFSA, Transfer, and Academic Services
  • Workshops sharing insights on College Athletics and Military opportunities

Whether a student is considering a four-year university, community college, technical institute, or military service, Postsecondary Day provides a unique learning opportunity where students can be encouraged and equipped in their postsecondary planning.

Thank you to the following colleges, universities, and organizations for partnering with Alignment and U-46 to offer the Sophomore/Junior Postsecondary Day:

  • Aurora University
  • Bradley University
  • Butler University
  • DePaul University
  • Dominican University
  • Elgin Community College
  • Elmhurst University
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Harper College
  • Honest Game – NCAA Academic Eligibility
  • Illinois State University
  • Indiana University
  • Iowa State University
  • Judson University
  • Lincoln College of Technology
  • Loyola University
  • Marquette University
  • Milwaukee School of Engineering
  • North Central College
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Purdue University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • Universal Technical Institute
  • University of Dayton
  • University of Illinois Chicago
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Notre Dame
  • University of Wisconsin Madison
  • University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
  • U.S. Armed Forces
  • Valparaiso University
  • Western Illinois University
  • Xavier University

Thank you to all the volunteers from these organizations who made this event a huge success, as well as to our Alignment partners from the U-46 Postsecondary Success Team, and Northern Kane County Region 110, who facilitated 32 different sessions for students.

Don’t Miss Senior Postsecondary Day

Alignment postseondary 2025

Attention U-46 Seniors! Don’t Miss
Senior Postsecondary Day
Wednesday, October 15!

Join us on Zoom choosing from 16 different sessions.

Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and end by 12:15 p.m.

Why You Should Attend:

Visit with Representatives from Universities, Community Colleges, Technical Institutes, and the Military along with U-46 Alumni.

  • Aurora University
  • Bradley University
  • Butler University
  • College of DuPage
  • DePaul University
  • Dominican University
  • Elgin Community College
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Harper College
  • Illinois State University
  • Indiana University
  • Judson University
  • Lincoln College of Technology
  • Loyola University
  • Marquette University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Purdue University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • Universal Technical Institute
  • University of Illinois Chicago
  • University of Illinois Urbana
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Wisconsin – Madison
  • University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
  • U.S. Armed Forces
  • Western Illinois University

Attend Sessions to Help You Learn More About:

  • FAFSA and Related Financial Aid Information
  • Personal Finance and College Affordability
  • Apprenticeship Opportunities Combining College and Work
  • Military Enlistment and Service
  • Preparing Essays for University Applications
  • Opportunities to Play Sports in College
Download Postsecondary Flyer in English
Descargar folleto postsecundario en español

Senior Postsecondary Day
Session Schedule
Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Choose one session below during each timeslot.

SESSION 1: 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.

Butler University

Grand Valley State University

University of Illinois- Urbana

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

College of DuPage

Harper College

STUDENT PANEL

DePaul University

Loyola University

Purdue University

University of Iowa

FAFSA and
Financial Aid
Information

SESSION 2: 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

Preparing Essays for
University Applications

Bradley University

Dominican University

Judson University

Roosevelt University

Personal Finance and
College Affordability

ECC Apprenticeship
Programs

SESSION 3: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Illinois State University

Loyola University

Marquette University

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Elgin Community
College

Aurora University

Northern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University

Western Illinois University

Lincoln College of Technology

Universal Technical Institute

SESSION 4: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

U.S. Armed Forces

DePaul University

Indiana University

Northern Illinois University

University of Illinois- Chicago

Honest Game
(Opportunities for
Playing Sports in
College)

FAFSA and
Financial Aid
Information

For questions, contact your high school counselor or email questions directly to postsecondarysuccess@u-46.org.

University, College and Technical Institute Panels

Size Reference Guide:

  • Small – Below 5,000 students
  • Medium – 5,000+ students
  • Large – 20,000+ students

Aurora University

Size: Medium
Aurora, IL

Education, Nursing, Social Work, Business

Bradley University

Size: Medium
Peoria, IL

Mechanical Engineering, Health Sciences, Computer Science

Butler University

Size: Medium
Indianapolis, IN

Business, Marketing, Communications, Pharmacy

DePaul University

Size: Large
Chicago, IL

Business, Digital Media, Visual and Performing Arts, Computer Science

Dominican University

Size: Small
River Forest, IL

Education, Health Sciences

Grand Valley State University

Size: Large
Allendale, MI

Engineering, Business, Education, Health Sciences

Illinois State University

Size: Large
Normal, IL

Business, Education, Health

Indiana University

Size: Large
Bloomington, IN

Business, Biological Sciences

Judson University

Size: Small
Elgin, IL

Architecture, Sports Administration, Business, Education

Lincoln College of Technology

Size: Small
Melrose Park, IL

Automotives, Electrical, HVAC, Medical Assistant, Welding

Loyola University

Size: Medium
Chicago, IL

Nursing, Health Sciences, Business, IT

Marquette University

Size: Medium
Milwaukee, WI

Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Finance, Mechanical Engineering

Northern Illinois University

Size: Medium
DeKalb, IL

Education, Psychology, Health Sciences, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

Purdue University

Size: Large
West Lafayette, IN

Engineering, Business

Roosevelt University

Size: Small
Chicago, IL

Psychology, Performing Arts

Southern Illinois University

Size: Medium
Carbondale, IL

Business, Education, Health Sciences

Universal Technical Institute

Size: Small
Lisle, IL

Automotive, Diesel Tech, Industrial Maintenance, Robotics, Welding, Wind Turbine Technician

University of Illinois Chicago

Size: Large
Chicago, IL

Business, Biological Sciences, Nursing, Architecture

University of Illinois Urbana

Size: Large
Champaign, IL

Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Psychology

University of Iowa

Size: Large
Iowa City, Iowa

Business, Communications, Nursing

University of Wisconsin- Madison

Size: Large
Madison, WI

Biology/Biological Studies, Business/Real Estate, Computer & Information Sciences, Economics, Education (#1 nationally), Engineering, Finance, Psychology.
D1 and major R1 research university

University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee

Size: Large
Milwaukee, WI

Health Sciences, Business, STEM

Western Illinois University

Size: Medium
Macomb, IL

Nursing, Business, Law Enforcement

Additional Sessions Offered

U.S. Armed Forces

Have an interest in the military but don’t know where to start? Sign up for this session to learn about the different branches (Army, Marine Corp, etc.) and how to pursue a military career after high school. Whether it’s going straight to bootcamp or joining ROTC at a university, the military offers many benefits to students regarding employment, affording college, job training, and leadership development.

FAFSA (2)

Learn the basics about paying for college. Topics covered include applying FAFSA, different types of financial aid, calculating the cost of tuition between community college and 4-year schools, resources for undocumented applicants, work-study opportunities, and scholarship opportunities.

College Essay Writing Support Workshop

Learn the basics and best practices for writing a powerful college essay. Get step-by-step guidance on how to get started, how to answer common essay prompts, and how to stand out and showcase who you are in your college applications.

Honest Game (NCAA)

Interested in playing sports in college? Join this workshop to learn about what it takes to play sports in college, the differences between NCAA Divisions I, II, III, and NAIA levels, and academic requirements and eligibility.

Elgin Community College Apprenticeship Programs

Earn your associates degree at ECC while receiving paid on-the-job training. ECC’s apprenticeship programs combine in-class instruction with mentorship by a local employer in the areas of CNA, Culinary, Trades, Firefighting and Paramedic Studies. Tuition, books, and fees are provided.

Personal Finance and College Affordability

Meet R & R Wealth Management and Pathways Planning Insights. Both organizations focus on personal finances and how to choose an educational pathway that maximizes your access to educational pathways aligned with your goals and financial future.

Sophomore and Junior Postsecondary Day reaches over 4,200 students!

District U-46 High Schools

More than 25 universities, colleges, and organizations joined Alignment and School District U-46 for the Sophomore and Junior Postsecondary Virtual Day on March 4. Reaching the largest number of students to date, 4,238 individual students attended the event with university and college admissions staff and visiting faculty. Students received information about FAFSA, learned about program admission and apprenticeships at Elgin Community College, and also had the opportunity to learn about corporate-based apprenticeships from Zurich Insurance. Students received advice from U-46 alumni now in college, learned about military service, along with student athletes receiving assistance in NCAA eligibility.

Thank you to the following colleges, universities, and organizations for partnering with Alignment and U-46 to offer the Sophomore and Junior Postsecondary Day:

Aurora University

Bradley University
DePaul University

Elgin Community College

Elmhurst University
Grand Valley State University

Harper College

Honest Game – NCAA Academic Eligibility

Illinois State University

Judson University
Lincoln College of Technology

Loyola University

Marquette University
North Central College

Northern Illinois University
Purdue University

Southern Illinois University

Universal Technical Institute

University of Dayton

University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Iowa
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin Whitewater

U.S. Armed Forces

Western Illinois University
Xavier University
Zurich Insurance

Thank you to all the volunteers from these organizations who made this event a huge success, as well as to our Alignment partners from the U-46 Postsecondary Success Team, Elgin Community College, and Northern Kane County Region 110, who facilitated 32 different sessions for students.

Senior Postsecondary Virtual Day

More than 25 universities, colleges, and organizations joined Alignment and School District U-46 for the third annual Senior Postsecondary Virtual Day on October 16. A record number of students attended with 794 individual seniors participating. Seniors who attended the event were able to get information from university and college admissions staff, current college students, FAFSA, military service, and NCAA eligibility, etc.

For students who are undecided about their interest in postsecondary colleges and universities, a session was included about future employment and apprenticeship opportunities with information about Elgin Community College’s apprenticeship programs and the outlook for future employment in the region and state.

Thank you to the following colleges, universities, and organizations for partnering with Alignment and U-46 to offer the Senior Postsecondary Day:

Aurora University
Bradley University
DePaul University
Elgin Community College
Elmhurst University
Harper College
Honest Game – NCAA Academic Eligibility
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Illinois State University
Judson University
Lincoln College of Technology
Loyola University
Marquette University
North Central College
Northern Illinois University
Nova Southeastern University
Purdue University
Southern Illinois University
Universal Technical Institute
University of Dayton
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
U.S. Armed Forces
Western Illinois University
Xavier University

Alignment Hosts CTE Senior Job Fair for School Districts U-46, 300, and 301

Alignment CTE Senior Job Fair Student overview image

Connecting students from nine high schools to regional employers

Nine high schools from School Districts U-46, 300, and 301 had the opportunity to send over 500 students to the annual CTE Senior Job Fair. Students visited with 50 business and community organizations across the region representing the automotive, culinary, education, energy, financial services, healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing industries. Many students as a result of the resume workshops had resumes ready to share with employers.

In addition to learning about job openings across these industry sectors, all students had the opportunity to attend Elgin Community College (ECC) information sessions to help them prepare to transition to postsecondary opportunities as they graduate in May. Joined by Northern Kane County Region 110 and the three school districts, Alignment considers this event to be the opportunity to showcase with students employment opportunities throughout the region as soon as they graduate from high school in May.

Bill Wright, Alignment’s Governing Board chair, visited throughout the day commenting about “the importance of this event as it seamlessly connects students preparing to graduate to employment opportunities that lead to positions in high growth industries with multiple advancement opportunities. We appreciate the support of our business community in bringing these opportunities to students as they prepare for the future workforce.”

Thank You to Our Sponsors

AED Foundation
Advocate Sherman Hospital
AT&T
City of Elgin
Elgin Community College
Elgin Sweeper

Elgin Township
Exelon
First Mid Bank & Trust
Grand Victoria Foundation
Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc.
Hoffer Foundation
KCT Credit Union

David and Sandy Kaptain
Lauderdale Electric
Nicor Gas
Seigle Foundation
United Way Metro Chicago
Wolko Design Group

Thank You Exhibitors

Advocate Sherman Hospital
Altorfer CAT
Aperion Care Fox River
Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital
A-TEC Ambulance
Avantara
Bartlett Park District
Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical
Bob Loquercio Auto Group
Boys and Girls Club of Elgin
Bria of Geneva
Business and Career Services Inc.
D300 Human Resources
D301 Human Resources
ECC Culinary Department
ECC Apprenticeship Program
ECC Ophthalmic Technician Program
ECC Welding

ECC WIOA program
Elgin Sweeper
Fox Valley Internet
Golden Corridor Family YMCA
High Point Dentistry
High Voltage Electric
Highland Oaks of Elgin
Hoffer Plastics
John B. Sanfilippo & Son (Fisher Nuts)
Judson University
KCT Credit Union
LifeLine Ambulance
Lincoln College of Technology
Luna Cakes
Manpower
MAPEI
Nicor Gas
NIU – PLEDGE Program

NIU – School of Family and Consumer Sciences
Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA)
Official Finders
Potbelly
Rosati’s/Rosati’s University
Standard Equipment
State Farm
Streamwood Park District
U-46 Human Resources
U-46 Plant Operations
U-46 Transportation
UTI
Village of South Elgin
Well Child Center
West Side Tractor Sales
Wintrust Bank