The Open Education Association is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and connecting the open education field in the United States. It brings together educators, creators, advocates, and leaders who believe that knowledge should be freely shared and accessible to all. Through strategic coordination, advocacy, and community-driven programs, the association works to expand the reach and impact of open education.

As a new organization, the association is gearing up for an exciting first year to strengthen collaboration, visibility, and sustainability across open education. Its current priorities include:

Expanding awareness of open education among decision-makers and the public
Building shared infrastructure and resources to support practitioners
Increasing access to funding and professional recognition for open education work
Providing programs that address emerging challenges and opportunities
Creating spaces for association members to connect, learn, and lead together

The association was shaped through two years of community consultation and collaboration involving hundreds of people across the open education field. These conversations identified the need for a national organization that could connect existing efforts, address shared challenges, and create structures for long-term coordination. Initially, this work operated as the Open Education Association Development Project, which was funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and incubated by SPARC. The association is now emerging as an independent organization and welcoming its first members. Read more about our history.

The programmatic work of the association is led by a Steering Committee representing perspectives from its membership and the broader open education field, while fiduciary and legal responsibilities are overseen by a Board of Directors. Guided by principles of openness, transparency, and collaboration, the association engages the community in shaping decisions and priorities through regular consultation and participation. As the association grows beyond its startup phase, it will continue to evolve its governance structure in alignment with the Governance Roadmap and its status as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code.

The association’s startup phase is supported by a grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Most of the association’s programmatic work continues to be incubated and managed by SPARC, continuing from the Open Education Association Development Project. Over time, the association will become more independent and sustain its work through a combination of membership dues, philanthropic support, and program funding. More information is available in our Governance Roadmap.

The association’s primary focus is advancing open education within U.S. higher education, as this is the gap clearly identified by the community. At the same time, the association welcomes engagement from K–12 educators and international colleagues, recognizing that open education thrives when efforts are harmonized across educational systems and borders.

Membership is open to individuals who live or work in the United States and whose personal or professional activities align with the association’s mission and values. Members pay annual dues on a sliding scale and receive equal access to participation and leadership opportunities. Joining as a member is the best way to support the association’s work and help shape its direction. Learn more about membership.

While Open Education Association membership is only available to individuals, we are happy to work with organizations that are interested in sponsoring membership for their staff or community members. Email contact@opened.org for more information.

The association collaborates with institutions, networks, and organizations across the open education ecosystem. Its role is to connect and complement—not duplicate—existing efforts. By serving as a national partner, the association helps strengthen coordination, share knowledge, and align strategies to achieve greater collective impact.

The Open Education Conference Board has appointed the Open Education Association as the administrative organizer for the conference beginning in 2026. The association will support the conference’s continued success as a community-led, international event that welcomes all who share the values of open education. This relationship will be formalized as part of the association’s Governance Roadmap.

Frequently Asked Questions