NRCSA is one of forty-four state rural community school organizations affiliated with the National Rural Education Association (NREA). The NREA is the oldest established national organization of its kind in the United States. Formerly known as the REA, the Association traces its origins back to 1907 when it was originally founded as the Department of Rural Education. Through the years it has evolved as a strong and respected organization of rural school administrators, teachers, board members, regional service agency personnel, researchers, business and industry representatives, and others interested in maintaining the vitality of rural school systems across the country.
NRCSA is also an affiliate of the National Rural Education Advocacy Coalition, which combines efforts on behalf of rural community schools with rural AASA advocacy into one group. This NREAC coalition is focused on the rural community school presence at the federal level.
The NREA annually holds a Convention and sponsors awards, scholarships, grants, and honors for students and educators including:
- A Mini-Grant Program
- The NREA Foundation Essay Contest
- The Brzezinski Memorial Award
- The Chance Memorial Dissertation
- The Rural Teacher of the Year Award
- The NREA Foundation Rural Hall of Fame
- The NREA Hero Award
- The NREA Annual Conference (held in October)
- The NREA Research Symposium (held at the October Conference)
Individuals and school districts may join the NREA in addition to NRCSA being an affiliate state member. NRCSA will pursue making NREA membership and programs available in Nebraska. For more information on membership, programs, conferences, etc., please visit: