Read this email for important programs in the County… Deadlines are approaching

Through our collaboration with McHenry County, we will continue to share important information on services, programs to help our citizens, and events in our county through Resume McHenry County updates.

Please take a moment to scroll down to see new advancements this week as we move forward in McHenry County. If MCEDC can be of any help, please call. Forward this email to your friends and family to help get the word out!

MCC unveils partnership to offer four-year degrees

McHenry County College announced last week that it will partner with Aurora University to offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree while remaining in McHenry County.

Under the plan, MCC will purchase Aurora University’s annex near downtown Woodstock and transition it to the MCC University Center, collaborating with the university to offer its degree programs already in place. With the center’s anticipated opening this summer, MCC will join an exclusive handful of community colleges in Illinois offering students bachelor’s and master’s completion programs in the communities where they already live and work.

While AU will be MCC’s first partner, and will offer such in-demand degrees as elementary education and social work, MCC plans to expand by adding additional partner universities.

You can read more about the plan by clicking here. Congratulations to MCC and Aurora University for making this happen, and greatly expanding our workforce’s educational opportunities!

Local businesses and organizations sought for Operation Dropbox

The McHenry County Department of Health is seeking community partners to support its annual Operation Dropbox donation drive for local veterans.

The fourth-annual drive, which runs through May, collects donations via drop boxes placed throughout McHenry County. All collected supplies will be delivered to Veterans Path to Hope.

Businesses, churches, libraries and other civic organizations are encouraged to participate by hosting a donation box. All supplies will be provided, and collections will be made weekly.

For more information or to volunteer,

email health-nursing@mchenrycountyil.gov, or call 815-334-4500.

McHenry Chamber holding LEAD leadership conference

Whether you’re a leader or getting ready to stand out and lead, the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce has an event for you!

The LEAD (Leaders Developing and Excelling in the McHenry Area) Conference is for managers, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders who are interested in investing in themselves and their teams. It will help participants find their strengths, enhance their brands, be more confident, and strengthen their company culture.

The event, which includes a raft of guest speakers, materials and networking, takes place from 8 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27. The cost is $149 for members and $249 for non-members. Click here to learn more and to reserve your seat.

Deadline looms for girls to sign up for Exelon STEM program

The annual Exelon Foundation STEM Academy is a free, week-long leadership program for 10th and 11th-grade girls who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Young women who live in northern Illinois are eligible to participate in the program, which runs from July 9-14 at the University of Illinois Chicago. Participants will learn from women in STEM fields and other leaders, as well as through hands-on activities.

You can click here to learn more and to apply; the deadline to do so is Tuesday, April 11. Click here to watch a video highlighting last year’s academy.

Time running out to apply for FEMA nonprofit security grants

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is disbursing FEMA grants of up to $150,000 for eligible nonprofit organizations deemed a high-risk of potential terrorist attack.

Grant funding must be spent on items such as security equipment, barriers, screening systems and other items to harden facilities against attack.

Click here for a list of eligibility requirements and for the application portal. Complete applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 18.

LITH Run Thru the Hills 5K set for April 15

The Village of Lake in the Hills is again hosting its annual Run Thru the Hills 5K Run/Walk.

The race will take participants along a scenic course of challenging hills surrounded by beautiful forested neighborhoods, lakes and parks. The race has events for the entire family! Besides the run, people can participate in the Bark in the Park two-mile dog walk., and the Hop n’ Trot kids’ 100-yard dash.

The race kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15 at The Place for Children with Autism, 15 Crystal Lake Road. Click here to learn more and to register!