Alumni - ICAPS graduate becomes ECC instructor

Adams Tangue Tsapi, ‘20, credits his experiences in the Integrated Career & Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) program for giving him a competitive advantage. “Everything started for me at Elgin Community College,” said Tangue Tsapi, originally from Cameroon, Africa. “I began my journey in 2015 when I enrolled in ESL classes so I could continue my studies in electrical engineering.”

ICAPS is a guided program to support student success while pursuing Basic Vocational Specialist (BVS) certificates. ICAPS is open to all students but primarily supports those who are underprepared for college classes, adult education students, and second language learners. Services include access to dedicated student support specialists who place students in learning cohorts, conduct regular advising sessions, and serve as the main point of contact to guide students through classes to complete the program in one year. Free loaner textbooks and academic support classes, résumé and job search assistance, and career workshops are also incorporated into the program.

After completing ESL classes at ECC's Education & Work Center in Hanover Park, Ill., Tangue Tsapi then enrolled in ICAPS and obtained a BVS certificate in automated electronic systems.

He continued on to earn additional BVS certificates in industrial maintenance technology and residential HVAC systems, all with high honors. Today, he is a senior industrial maintenance technician for Smithfield Foods, Inc., and recently joined ECC as an adjunct instructor in the maintenance technician program.

Beginning in 2010 with one welding cohort, ICAPS has grown to include seven program offerings. The college expects ICAPS to continue on an upward trajectory, as does Tangue Tsapi.

“Returning to ECC as an instructor allows me to share my unique perspective with my students. I want to positively impact their lives and help influence them to work hard and realize the benefit of a solid educational foundation before embarking on their chosen career.”

To learn more about the ICAPS program, visit the ICAPS Support Program webpage.