Applicant
The application process consists of two steps:
- Submitting your application to NECHE
- Visit from NECHE staff
To apply for recognition, you will first complete the NECHE Recognition Application form. The form includes quantitative data (e.g., headcount, total revenue, # locations, # programs) as well as narrative prompts such as: briefly describe the ways in which this organization designs and delivers high quality programming; summarize your organizational capacity for this work; describe the type of student success and return on investment data you collect and analyze.
There is a $2,000 application fee ($1,000 for NECHE members) that will be paid at the time of form submission.
The Recognition Application form will be available by January 15, 2026. Applications must be received by April 15, 2026 for consideration for the 2026-2027 cohort.
Candidacy
An organization whose application is approved by the Commission will be considered a “candidate” for recognition. There will be one candidate cohort selected for each academic year. Each organization in the cohort will be assigned to either a fall or spring evaluation visit.
Candidate Workshop
Each organization will be invited to attend a one-day preparatory workshop that will guide them through the report-writing process and the evaluation visit.
Recognition Report
Each candidate organization, using the Framework markers, will prepare a data-informed, analytical report that demonstrates their capacity to offer high-quality non-credit programming, which identifies areas in which they are doing well and opportunities for improvement. Reports will be approximately 30 pages in length. Reports will be shared with the organization’s peer evaluators as well as with the Non-Credit Recognition Committee and the Commission.
Commission staff are available to review a draft of the recognition report; organizations are encouraged to submit a draft for feedback prior to submission.
Peer Evaluation Visit
Each organization will be visited by two peer evaluators. The visit will last approximately 1 ½ days. Peer evaluators will meet with key stakeholder groups including organizational leadership, non-credit leadership, non-credit staff, non-credit faculty, and students.
Peer Evaluation Report
The evaluation team will prepare a report highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. That report will be shared with the organization as well as with the Non-Credit Recognition Committee and the Commission.
Organization Response to the Team Report
Each organization will have an opportunity, if they choose, to write a brief (1-2 page) response to the team report that will be shared with the Non-Credit Recognition Committee and the Commission.
