Chamber Foundation Contributes Toward Career Academy

The Chamber Foundation of Effingham County donated $25,000 to the Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA) to help establish the Academy, which will be housed at the Lake Land College Rural Development Technology Center.

The ERCA is a public/private partnership between business, education, and the community that teaches skills and knowledge needed in the current and future job market. The ERCA provides an innovative outlet through which educators and employers inspire students to purse training for high-demand careers in the regional workforce. Creating targeted educational opportunities and a pipeline of skilled individuals for area employers will positively impact future access to a skilled workforce and our region’s agility in adapting to forthcoming industry trends.

The ERCA will be located inside the Rural Development Technology Center. The Center will be constructed adjacent to Lake Land College Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology in Effingham. Construction of the anticipated 36,000 square-foot facility is fully funded by Land Land College and has a completion and opening goal date of Fall 2024.

Pictured back (left to right): ERCA Board Members Courtney Yockey, Matt Sturgeon, Mark Doan, and Jerry Tkachuk. Pictured front (left to right): Chamber Foundation Board Members Lucinda Hart, Mel Stock, Matt Cekander, Jeff Speer, and Josh Bullock, and ERCA Board Member Norma Lansing.

To volunteer, donate, or request more information, visit the ERCA website, EffinghamRegionalCareerAcademy.com, or contact Norma Lansing at n.lansing@erca.us or (217) 246-5844.