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…
%
will complete an associate degree by grade 12
%
will complete a bachelor's degree
%
will complete a postgraduate degree or certification
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.
In the News
Collegiate Edu-Nation and Spurger ISD Celebrate First Cohort of Students Signing for Future Opportunities
SPURGER, Texas — Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN) and Spurger Independent School District proudly celebrated a historic milestone in May as the first cohort of students participated in a signing ceremony recognizing their commitment to pursuing future educational and...
ConnectivityPower
We all desire to be effective and successful. It's in our DNA. In almost all circumstances, we are more likely to be effective and successful if others lend us a hand in the process. How can we better connect with others? HELP - when we help others, they almost always...
It’s Never Too Late: How One Rural Educator Turned a Dream Into Reality
After years of serving students in Throckmorton, Gay Hibbits returned to college, earned her teaching certification, and is preparing to lead a classroom in the community she has always called home. For years, Gay Hibbits poured into students in Throckmorton...
Collegiate Edu-Nation and Spurger ISD Celebrate First Cohort of Students Signing for Future Opportunities
SPURGER, Texas — Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN) and Spurger Independent School District proudly celebrated a historic milestone in May as the first cohort of students participated in a signing ceremony recognizing their commitment to pursuing future educational and...
ConnectivityPower
We all desire to be effective and successful. It's in our DNA. In almost all circumstances, we are more likely to be effective and successful if others lend us a hand in the process. How can we better connect with others? HELP - when we help others, they almost always...
It’s Never Too Late: How One Rural Educator Turned a Dream Into Reality
After years of serving students in Throckmorton, Gay Hibbits returned to college, earned her teaching certification, and is preparing to lead a classroom in the community she has always called home. For years, Gay Hibbits poured into students in Throckmorton...
Collegiate Edu-Nation Launches Public Phase of $15 Million “North Star Venture” Campaign to Expand Opportunity Across Rural Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Collegiate Edu-Nation Launches Public Phase of $15 Million “North Star Venture” Campaign to Expand Opportunity Across Rural Communities Grapevine, Texas — During the 2026 Rural Empowerment Conference (REC), Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN) officially...
CEN ANNUAL REPORT
Explore a year of CEN's impactful achievements and innovations in our 2025 Annual Report.
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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