Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN) has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Thoma Foundation—marking the Foundation’s second major investment in our mission to strengthen rural communities through education, workforce development, and civic leadership.
This funding will accelerate our P-20 System Model, a seamless, place-based pathway from Pre-K through Year 20 that ensures rural learners can access high-wage, high-demand careers without leaving their hometowns.
We are deeply grateful for The Thoma Foundation’s continued belief in our mission. Their investment strengthens our work to create opportunities that allow rural students and families to thrive right where they are.
-Dr. Kim Alexander
FOUNDER & CEO
The Thoma Foundation’s support will deepen CEN’s impact across our three core pillars:
- K–12 Transformation: Future-ready instructional design, AVID, data-driven decision-making, and educator coaching.
- Postsecondary Pathways: Expansion of P-TECH, Early College High School, dual credit, and workforce credentialing opportunities.
- Rural Ecosystem Development: Strengthening adult learning, apprenticeships, and regional convenings that build local leadership capacity.
This investment will also help scale key initiatives like the Rural Education Convening (REC) and expand our statewide data systems work in partnership with EMS and Texas A&M University—providing rural communities with the tools and insights needed to drive meaningful outcomes.
This investment from The Thoma Foundation fuels the kind of transformative work rural communities deserve. It strengthens our ability to build pathways that keep talent at home, empower families, and open doors to opportunity for generations to come.
-SUSAN GROVE
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
