Mrs. Chris Groccia, Truman Pierce Institute Special Projects Director, was elected Vice President/President Elect of the Alabama Community Education Association (ACEA) at their annual conference held in Gulf Shores in February 2009. ACEA is a non-profit organization that provides training, information, leadership, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its members. Community Education has three basic components: lifelong learning, community involvement, and efficient use of resources. Chris coordinates the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) contract between the Truman Pierce Institute and the Alabama State Department of Education. As part of her responsibilities with this contract she provides on-going training and support to Alabama's 21st CCLC grantees on their required reports and helps coordinate the summer camps for high school tutors. Because of her outstanding work providing support to the liaisons and consultants working with 21st Century Community Learning Center programs and the 149 grantees across the state, Chris was also honored at the ACEA conference with an Outstanding Benefactor Award.