National Career Academy Coalition Inc.

Overview

The National Career Academy Coalition Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee. It focuses on providing collaborative support and resources to both established and emerging career academies in high schools across the United States.

Mission and Programs

The organization's mission is to enhance the effectiveness of career academies by conducting evaluations and offering consulting services. They host an annual conference where industry experts can gain education and technical support regarding the career academy model of high school education. This model is designed to prepare students for both college and careers by integrating academic subjects with career-themed studies and community partnerships.

NCAC offers comprehensive professional learning experiences aimed at academy planning, design, and implementation. These services include developing academy action plans, programs of study, and facilitating effective teaming and business engagement. They also provide tools such as the National Standards of Practice (NSOP) and its associated rubrics to aid in the implementation and monitoring of high-quality career academies.

History

The National Career Academy Coalition was established in March 1997, emerging from a need for a national organization to coordinate resources and support for schools adopting the career academy model. The founding was motivated by the success of career academies in reducing gang involvement among youth, as observed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) in the 1990s. Key figures in its formation included Dr. Joseph Coffee and Grace Sammon.

Impact and Financials

NCAC has made significant contributions to the career academy model, leading the development of the National Standards of Practice in 2004. The organization has consistently received high ratings for its financial health and accountability, including a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. As of 2022, NCAC reported a revenue of $861,401 and net assets of $579,447[1].

Recognition and Ratings

NCAC is recognized for its robust financial practices, with a program expense ratio indicating that the majority of its budget is dedicated to mission-related activities. It maintains a fully independent board of directors and has comprehensive governance policies in place[1].