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.

CEN currently serves 35,000+ students in 44 independent school districts and growing nationwide.

We plan to expand to 60 districts by 2026.

the CEN student experience…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

In the NEWS

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

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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