The CEF is dedicated to advancing educational access, career readiness, and the digital literacy expansion for individuals of all ages. Through scholarships, workforce development internships, and digital skills training, we empower students and community members to achieve their educational and career goals, participate fully in the digital economy, and contribute to a thriving community.
About the Community Education Foundation
Dedicated to advancing educational access, workforce readiness, and digital opportunity throughout our community.
Empowering Communities Through Education & Opportunity
The Community Education Foundation (CEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting educational achievement, workforce development, and upward mobility for individuals and families throughout the community.
Through scholarships, internship opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and digital literacy partnerships, CEF creates pathways that help students and community members succeed academically and professionally.
Mission
Vision
The CEF envisions a community in which every person is able to earn a family-sustaining income and achieve upward mobility in the workforce.
Goals
The goals of the CEF are to increase access to post-secondary education by providing scholarships to students in the community; Reduce financial barriers that prevent students from pursuing higher education or vocational training; Prepare students and young adults for successful careers by offering hands-on, real-world internship experiences; Build pathways to employment by connecting participants with local employers and industry mentors; Provide digital skills training to bridge the digital divide and promote economic mobility.
Dr. Joni Flowers
Dr. Joni Flowers is the Founder, President and CEO of the Community Education Foundation (CEF), a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization which was established in 2004. She received her Doctorate of Education, Instructional Technology with an emphasis in Distance Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Dr. Flowers served as a member of the American Association of University Women, American Education Research Association, EDUCAUSE, American Library Association, and Black Professional Women’s Alliance.
Dr. Flowers is also a full-time professor for the School of Education, College of Southern Nevada. She has been for teaching there for 25 years
In 1996, Dr. Flowers founded and organized the annual scholarship benefit, Educational Taste of Excellence: Wine Tasting, Spirits, and Jazz.
Executive Board
Dr. Joni Flowers
Founder, President, & CEO
Joe Coe
Treasurer
Jerrie Merritt
Director
Secretary
(open position)
Board of Directors
Joe Coe
Martin Drapacz
Tony Gladney
Susan Medica
Jerrie Merritt
Gordon Prouty
