What's Happening?
The National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) has partnered with Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business to launch the Foundations of Cooperative Enterprise Series. This new professional development program is designed for cooperative
employees, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders. The program is online, self-paced, and aims to provide practical knowledge while accommodating participants' daily responsibilities. It includes interviews with cooperative leaders and offers four stackable micro-credentials covering cooperative identity, law, public policy, and models across sectors. The program is priced at $125 per micro-credential, with a capstone available for additional credit.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it aims to strengthen the cooperative sector by enhancing the skills and knowledge of its workforce. By partnering with a reputable academic institution, NCBA is ensuring that cooperative employees have access to high-quality education that can help them navigate the complexities of cooperative governance and enterprise development. This program could lead to more effective management and innovation within cooperatives, potentially increasing their competitiveness and sustainability in the market.
What's Next?
Enrollment for the program is currently open, with the first micro-credentials set to go live on August 20. Cooperatives are encouraged to invest in this opportunity to develop their leaders and strengthen their organizational culture. The program's success could lead to further collaborations between NCBA and academic institutions, expanding educational opportunities for cooperative members.
