Meet James G. Allen, Jr.
Alumnus, Leader, Advocate.
James G. Allen, Jr. is a proud alumnus of Elgin Community College and a passionate advocate for education and community service. As someone who returned to higher education at the age of 39, James understands the transformative power of ECC firsthand. He graduated with high honors, earning an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies with a cumulative GPA of 3.9. During his time at ECC, James served as the Student Trustee, Vice President of Student Government, and President of Students Who Are Not Silent (SWANS), ECC’s LGBTQIA+ student organization.
James’s leadership extended beyond the classroom. He interned with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s office, focusing on housing insecurity, and with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, assisting victims of domestic violence and drug-related crimes. These experiences shaped his passion for advocacy and informed his commitment to serving underserved communities.
Professionally, James has been a Flight Attendant with United Airlines for 18 years and is part of the elite International Purser Program, where he leads and trains diverse teams. His legal career includes paralegal work supporting veterans and low-income families, emphasizing his dedication to justice and equity.
James’s dedication to community service is evident in his board leadership roles. As President of Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra and Open Door Health Center of Illinois, James has successfully overseen multi-million-dollar budgets, strategic planning initiatives, and community outreach programs.
James is running for the ECC Board of Trustees to ensure that students have access to affordable, high-quality education and that ECC continues to be a leader in academic innovation and community engagement. If elected, James will prioritize expanding mental health resources, improving campus accessibility, and fostering strong partnerships with local employers to create career pathways for students.
“As a former ECC student, I know the challenges our students face. I’m running to ensure every student has the support they need to succeed and that ECC continues to thrive as a pillar of opportunity for our community.”
James’ First-Term Goals as Trustee
Expand Mental Health Resources
Why It’s Important:
Mental health is a growing concern among college students, and ECC must provide accessible, effective support to help students succeed academically and personally.
How to Accomplish This:
- Advocate for additional funding to hire more mental health counselors.
- Establish partnerships with local mental health organizations to provide on-campus services.
- Create peer support programs and mental health awareness campaigns.
Improve Handicap Accessibility
Why It’s Important:
Every student deserves equitable access to education, and ECC must ensure all campus facilities and resources are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
How to Accomplish This:
- Conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit of ECC’s campus.
- Collaborate with disability advocacy groups to identify and address accessibility gaps.
- Secure grants for infrastructure improvements, such as automatic doors and accessible technology.
Reduce Textbook and Course Material Costs
Why It’s Important:
High textbook costs can be a barrier to education for many students.
How to Accomplish This:
- Expand the Open Educational Resources (OER) initiative.
- Encourage faculty to adopt cost-effective or free course materials.
- Partner with the ECC Foundation to provide textbook scholarships.
Strengthen Career Pathway Programs
Why It’s Important:
ECC plays a vital role in preparing students for the workforce, and stronger partnerships with local employers can create more opportunities.
How to Accomplish This:
- Work with local businesses to develop internships and apprenticeships.
- Align career programs with industry demands.
- Promote ECC’s workforce development programs within the community.
James Allen for ECC Board of Trustees 