# Alumni Reunion
## Hero
NCCED
30th Anniversary Celebration
Emerging Leaders and Public Policy Internship Programs Reunion
August 23-25, 2026
National Harbor, MD
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From 1996 to 2002, the National Congress of Community Economic Development (NCCED) brought together college undergraduate and graduate students from across the nation. Students were introduced to the principles and impact of community economic development and the broader framework of social justice movements. Today, the alumni from the NCCED programs are esteemed leaders, diligently working towards creating an inclusive and equitable society where everyone can reach their full potential. This 30th-anniversary reunion celebration aims to reunite these alumni, providing an opportunity to share experiences, rekindle connections, foster collaborations, and collectively envision the next wave of bold and courageous leadership.
Complete RSVP Form
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=XSuPhKnBxUeoJW4zH7LkETnDKNltICRJrIdEGl-BdFtUREpHMDIwUFA3WkdLWFlZNDM5WVMwUUpRRy4u
## Events
Schedule of Activities - Save The Date!
30th Anniversary Welcome Reception
Sunday, August 23, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Kick off the reunion with a welcome reception. Reconnect with old friends and meet fellow alumni in a relaxed atmosphere.
30th Anniversary Program
Monday, August 24, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
A full day of programming featuring panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on leadership and equity.
Let's Party
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join us for an evening celebration to close out the day with music, refreshments, and great company.
Oxon Hill, MD (National Harbor)
Approx. 20 mins from Washington DC
Specific location TBD
The 30th Anniversary Reunion Will Take Place Alongside,
PolicyLink's 2026 Summit, We Are the Founders: Writing the Unfinished Story of Our Democracy, **which opens Monday, August 24 at 4:00 pm.**
PolicyLink Summit
https://www.policylink.org/about/summits
Early Bird Registration Ends on March 31, 2026
## Impact
30th Anniversary Vision & Impact
The Path Forward
We aim to document our legacy, empower current leaders, and foster intergenerational dialogue to sustain the movement for social justice.
"Building a more just and equitable society where everyone can achieve their full potential."
Objectives
Expected Outcomes
| Title | Description | Icon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Peer Conversations | Facilitate peer-to-peer conversations for leaders to share their career and personal experiences. | :icon-message-circle: |
| Reflection | Provide opportunities for reflection on the current environment and implications for equity and social justice. | :icon-sun: |
| Collaborative Solving | Promote peer support and collaborative problem-solving, offering a safe environment for sharing strategies. | :icon-users: |
| Network Building | Broaden and strengthen interdisciplinary networks among alumni to foster lasting connections. | :icon-network: |
| Intergenerational Dialogue | Offer platforms for dialogue, skill-sharing, and peer coaching between different generations of activists. | :icon-git-merge: |
| Documenting History | Review and record the contributions of ELP and PPIP to community development and racial equity efforts. | :icon-book-open: |
| Title | Description | Icon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Strengthened Network | Enhanced connections between alumni, fostering a solid ecosystem and supportive community. | :icon-share-2: |
| Documented Legacy | A comprehensive archive of the ELP and PPIP history, preserving the stories of its members. | :icon-archive: |
| Empowered Leaders | Participants will leave with renewed inspiration, practical strategies, and a sense of collective purpose. | :icon-zap: |
| Mentorship Exchange | Meaningful exchanges between generations, promoting mentorship and the sharing of wisdom. | :icon-heart-handshake: |
| Action Commitments | Concrete plans and commitments from participants to continue their work in advancing justice. | :icon-check-square: |
## About
History
Cultivating a diverse pool of community economic development practitioners.
In 1996, the National Congress for Community Economic Development (NCCED) launched a significant leadership development initiative. Its mission was clear: to attract, cultivate, and retain creative, entrepreneurial, and skilled practitioners.
For nearly a decade, NCCED convened college undergraduate and graduate students nationwide. Today, alumni from these programs are recognized as influential leaders working towards building an inclusive and equitable society.
"To lead and sustain national and local efforts to revitalize impoverished American communities."
| Title | Description | Details | Icon |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) | Designed to empower the next generation of leadership, the ELP provided crucial training and mentorship to young professionals entering the field of community development. | The Emerging Leaders Program focused on developing practical skills, fostering innovative thinking, and creating a network of emerging practitioners committed to community economic development principles. | :icon-rocket: |
| Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP) | The PPIP connected students with real-world policy work, bridging the gap between academic study and the practical application of social justice movements. | Through hands-on internships in policy organizations, students gained firsthand experience in advocacy, legislative processes, and the implementation of policies that advance equity and justice. | :icon-briefcase: |
## RSVP
Reserve Your Spot
Join us in celebrating 30 years of leadership and impact
Complete the registration form to RSVP for the 30th Anniversary Celebration. We look forward to reconnecting with you at National Harbor on August 23-24, 2026.
| Title | Description | Icon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reconnect | Meet fellow ELP and PPIP alumni from across the nation | :icon-users: |
| Celebrate | Honor 30 years of community development leadership | :icon-party-popper: |
| Network | Build lasting connections with equity-focused leaders | :icon-handshake: |
| Learn | Engage in workshops and panel discussions | :icon-lightbulb: |
Complete RSVP Form
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=XSuPhKnBxUeoJW4zH7LkETnDKNltICRJrIdEGl-BdFtUREpHMDIwUFA3WkdLWFlZNDM5WVMwUUpRRy4u
Questions? Contact us at the information below.
## Contact
Get in Touch
For more information about the 30th Anniversary Celebration or to RSVP, please contact our team.
| Name | Email | Phone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Susan Shorters | susan.shorters@hipimpact.com | 301-346-6066 |
| Pat Smith | patricia.smith2024@outlook.com | 215-280-6641 |