Cooperatives across the country are navigating a period of significant change. Workforce transitions, increasing market complexity and the need to prepare the next generation of leaders are creating new challenges-and new opportunities-for cooperative businesses.

To help cooperatives invest in their workforces and prepare for the future, 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 (CES), a new professional development program designed specifically for cooperative employees, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders.

The program combines the cooperative expertise of NCBA with the academic excellence and workforce education capabilities of Arizona State University, creating a flexible learning experience that helps participants build practical knowledge while balancing the demands of their day-to-day responsibilities. Arizona State University is widely recognized for innovation in higher education and career-focused learning.

"Cooperatives have always invested in people," NCBA president and CEO Doug O'Brien said. "This new partnership with Arizona State University builds on that tradition. By deepening the understanding of cooperatives across our workforce and investing in the next generation of leaders, we can help ensure that cooperatives remain innovative, competitive and deeply rooted in the values that set our business model apart."

Building a stronger cooperative workforce

The Foundations of Cooperative Enterprise Series begins with four stackable micro-credentials that provide a comprehensive introduction to cooperative enterprise:

• Cooperative Identity and How Cooperatives Work
• Cooperative Law and Public Policy
• Why Cooperatives Form
• Cooperative Models Across Sectors

Together, these micro-credentials provide participants with a deeper understanding of cooperative identity, governance, ownership structures, public policy and the economic principles that make cooperatives unique. Micro-credentials are accessibly priced at $125 each. Learners who complete all four micro-credentials are eligible to enroll in the capstone-a live, faculty-led experience that connects academic concepts with practical experience and workplace applications. Those who complete all four micro-credentials plus a separately-priced capstone earn course credit for just $1,065.

Ask about NCBA member discounts

Additional courses focused on leadership, strategy, finance and sector-specific applications are planned for the future.

Flexible learning for busy professionals

Unlike traditional degree programs, CES is online, self-paced and designed to fit into the schedules of working professionals.

Participants can enroll in individual micro-credentials to build knowledge in specific areas, working toward completion of the full certificate over time. Courses are structured to be accessible, affordable and immediately relevant to cooperative workplaces.

This flexibility makes CES an attractive option for cooperatives seeking to:

• Invest in workforce development and retain talent
• Develop emerging leaders
• Strengthen employee understanding of the cooperative business model
• Enhance governance and decision-making capacity
• Augment existing staff development and leadership programs

Part of NCBA's Learning Hub

The Foundations of Cooperative Enterprise Series is a key component of NCBA's Learning Hub, a destination for cooperative education, professional development and leadership training. Through the Learning Hub, cooperatives can access educational opportunities designed to support career growth across cooperative sectors.

As cooperatives compete for talent and prepare future leaders, investing in education remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen both individual careers and cooperative performance.

Learn More

Enrollment is now open for the Foundations of Cooperative Enterprise Series, and the first four micro-credentials go live on August 20. Co-ops looking to invest in emerging leaders and strengthen cooperative knowledge and culture across their teams are encouraged to explore the program and secure spots for employees now.

Take the next step Reach out to our team