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Lydia Grows from Surviving to Serving

Before coming to ICC, Lydia spent ten years battling addiction. She experienced homelessness and lived day to day without a clear path forward. Sobriety changed everything — and with it… Read more »

June 05, 2026


How Taryn Honors Art and Legacy

For Taryn, creativity has always been personal. Art is not just something she studies or practices. It is a way to honor her mother, who played a major role in… Read more »

May 26, 2026


Discovering Possibility Through Design: Sasha’s Journey at ICC

Sasha arrived at ICC with a plan and an open mind. After being homeschooled during her freshman year of high school, she moved from South Carolina to Illinois and later… Read more »

April 02, 2026


Carter’s Path from Startup to ICC 

Carter began shaping his future long before college. At thirteen, he turned a small idea into a growing screen printing and graphic design business. What started with stickers made on… Read more »

March 10, 2026


Inspired by a Drumline: ICC Helps Miles Find His Rhythm

When a drumline marched past in a homecoming parade, young Miles knew instantly: I want to do that. That moment sparked a love for music that stayed with him through… Read more »

September 17, 2025


More Than a Degree: How ICC Helped Jenna Find Her Passion

Although it was challenging for Jenna to commit to college, she enrolled at ICC—a decision that changed everything. By the time Jenna graduated high school, she felt like she had… Read more »

June 30, 2025


From Uncertain to Unstoppable: Claire’s Journey at ICC

When Claire graduated from high school, college wasn’t part of the plan. The traditional academic path left her feeling unmotivated and disconnected. “Originally, I was planning on going to barber… Read more »

May 27, 2025


Ethan’s Personal Growth Through Community

Ethan always knew he wanted to make a difference. Now a history education major at Illinois Central College, he’s finding the confidence and community he needs to achieve that dream…. Read more »

May 08, 2025


Jason’s DPET Discovery

If you’d asked Jason at age 18 what he wanted to do for a career, “tractor service technician” would not have been his answer. Growing up on his family’s farm,… Read more »

January 31, 2025


Legacy Looks to the Future

Legacy dreams of becoming a pediatrician or a neurosurgeon, but for now, she has found her ideal starting point in the surgical technologist program at ICC.  Legacy’s diverse background and… Read more »

January 30, 2025