Rural schools educate 20% of America’s students, but the vast majority of
education resources and innovation are focused in urban areas.

We start with schools, but we don’t stop there

Collegiate Edu-Nation is a non-profit organization engaging whole communities to reinvigorate education, revitalize local economies,
and reimagine what’s possible for rural America. We’re preparing rural communities to connect and thrive in a fast-moving future.

Supporting students, families, districts & communities

to end education and income inequality

Students & Families

college & career focus

Young people deserve real choices when it comes to where they live and how they work. We prepare students for college and career success, increasing their earning potential and expanding their options.

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Superintendents & teachers

educator development

Small-town educators are passionate about improving outcomes for their students. We help districts access and navigate resources for dual credit programs, work & project-based learning, 1:1 student support, and more.

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Businesses & Communities

educational attainment

We connect talented young people to local industries through place-based research and work-based learning, strengthening the bond between communities and schools and creating new pathways for rural economic growth.

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Our Method

P-20 Model for 21st Century School Transformation

CEN promotes the P-20 Model for 21st Century School Transformation which focuses on heightened college and career aspirations through continuous educational attainment and industry-related certifications. We believe a mindset of high aspirations and high expectations on those fronts leads naturally to lifetimes of happiness, productivity, and success. We take a comprehensive approach to education, engaging whole communities in an effort that continues from the first day of Pre-K to the launch of a meaningful career.

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With your help we can equip and empower young people in rural communities

to build a future with more opportunity, prosperity, and impact.

GIVE

In the NEWS

THOUGHT LEADERS MEDIA & PRESS VLOG

• MatteringMatters
  by Nelson Coulter
  April 28, 2026
  The late Dr. Stephen Covey oft advised us that “the main thing is to keep the Main Thing the MAIN THING.” One of the most impactful of my mentors over the years — Gary Harrell — reminded me regularly to remain focused first and foremost on the things of “eternal significance.”  Calendars fill. Schedules get… Read more: MatteringMatters
• PerfectionDereliction
  by Nelson Coulter
  April 20, 2026
  Perfection…… isn’t. Not possible. Can’t get there. Pipe dream. Pure dereliction. What we can do is get better. Every day. On purpose.  That better state, however, is not the result of wishing. It happens only when we think carefully about…  WHAT we’re doing, WHY we’re doing it, and HOW we might do it better (if… Read more: PerfectionDereliction
• OfficeAllergy
  by Nelson Coulter
  April 12, 2026
  The wisest leaders I have observed somehow manage to be in their office minimally. Instead, they continually move about the various work spaces of the organization. It’s almost as if they’re allergic to the office. There is method to that madness, it seems. Some of the benefits of “the boss” going on relentless walkabouts instead… Read more: OfficeAllergy

CEN Annual Report

Explore a year of CEN’s impactful achievements and innovations in our 2025 Annual Report.

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White paper: Place based education

Check out our most recent White Paper: Fostering Rural Potential in Texas – A Place Based Approach to Education, Workforce Development and Community-Centered Growth

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A transformative investment in the future of rural

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Every piece plays a role in building stronger rura

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