Become a part of our growing network as we provide leadership to learning communities across the nation. NCEA works for you and your community by providing up-to-the-minute information, legislation, resources, advocacy, networks, and support. NCEA advocates for parental and community involvement, the formation of community partnerships, and the expansion of lifelong learning opportunities for all community residents.
Together, 
We’re Expanding Opportunities for Lifelong Learning
NCEA advocates the creation of lifelong learning opportunities for all community members including individuals, schools, businesses, and public and private organizations.
We Build Community Partnerships
and Engage Parents in their Communities
NCEA provides a way for people to enhance their lives and communities through learning and collaboration. Together, local community members, schools, and other organizations gain a national voice and the opportunity to partner in addressing education and community concerns.
Through the Efficient use
of Community Resources, We Make the Difference
NCEA membership also helps support facilities that are open beyond the traditional work or school day for the purpose of providing academic, recreation, health, social service, and work-preparation programs for people of all ages. By using community resources to their fullest, we promote learning opportunities for all community residents.
Let Us Serve You
Whether you are a Community Education director or coordinator, a 21st CCLC practitioner, an administrator, a business partner, a teacher, a policymaker, a parent, a citizen advocate—membership in NCEA will bring you information and services to help you, your school, and your community.
Practical Information and Good Ideas
Great resources come your way regularly in our monthly newsletter, Community Education Today. Current information comes directly to your inbox on ways to network and get involved through upcoming events and elections.
Theoretical Discussions,
Research Projects, and Descriptions of Successful Programs
All of this and more can be found in our print publication, Community Education Journal. CEJ gives you food for thought and examples of model programs for replication. A forum for the exchange of ideas in the field, the Community Education Journal arrives in your mailbox four times a year.
Training on Current Issues
Both training and unparalleled opportunities for networking are yours at the NCEA annual conference, the largest gathering nationally of Community Educators from across the country and abroad. Members receive a significant discount on conference registration.
Workshops and Institutes
NCEA workshops and institutes provide you with intensive training on specific topics, such as parent involvement in K-12 education, developing community-based environmental education and action programs, working with at-risk youth, or being at the forefront of education reform.
Opportunities for Leadership
Jump into the action, as opportunities for leadership abound in NCEA. The association is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors. 12 of the directors are chosen by the membership in national and regional elections. An active network of committees and task forces involves hundreds of volunteers in the governance and guidance of the association annually.
Peer Support through NetworkingAs an NCEA member, support is always just a phone call or e-mail away. In addition to NCEA’s professional office staff, NCEA's Membership and Resource Directory puts you in touch with colleagues from around the country with the click of a mouse.
Support for Affiliated State Community Education Associations
NCEA's National Council of State Community Education Associations (NCSCEA) works to support and encourage the growth of State and Affiliated Community Education Associations. An annual summer workshop brings state and national leaders together for collaborative planning and dynamic training sessions.
Legislative Resources and Support
Legislative resources and support are available to you from our national office and through legislative training programs such as our annual Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C. Learn from the experts how to effectively take your message from the local level to our senators and congressmen in the nation’s capitol.
Communications Support
Let our national office help you promote Community Education and get the word out about your achievements and successes locally. NCEA’s professional staff is available to train and assist you with press releases, talking with the media, and promoting our excellent programs and members nationwide.
Professional Development for Community EducatorsBoost your career through NCEA’s Professional Development and National Certifications. Apply to NCEA’s Administrative Competency Endorsement (ACE) to become an NCEA Fellow, or receive national recognition as a Professional Program Leader through APPLE (Applied Professional Program Leadership Endorsement.) NCEA members also have the opportunity to earn a Graduate Certificate in Community Education online!
Join NCEA Today
Our members are our strength. As we work to promote the concept and practice of Community Education, strength in numbers enhances our credibility with government, policy makers, education leaders, and practitioners across the nation. By joining NCEA, you are not only helping to support your local community programs, but also effectively expressing your support for Community Education on the national level.
*Special $69 membership offer only valid for first-time
members or members who have let their membership lapse for more than 12
months. Not valid for renewals. Restrictions apply. Please contact NCEA
for more details.
