Our Mission

ICLCA’s mission is to support learning assistance professionals in developing and sustaining high-quality learning centers that enhance student success and innovation in the field, grounded in three pillars: Connection, Leadership and Advancement.

• Connection: Build an accessible, global, year-round professional community
• Leadership: Develop visible, inclusive leadership pathways and mentorship ecosystems
• Advancement: Expand professional standards, research, and learning center impact

ICLCA’s Definition of a Learning Center

The International College Learning Center Association defines a learning center in higher education as an interactive academic space designed to enhance and extend student learning in physical and virtual environments. These centers offer comprehensive support services and programs to improve educational success, retention, and completion rates.

Learning centers address student needs from various pedagogical perspectives by applying best practices and learning theories. Staffed by professionals, paraprofessionals, faculty, and trained student educators, these centers support holistic academic growth by fostering critical thinking, metacognitive development, and overall educational and personal success.

Our History

Founded in 1985 as the Midwest College Learning Center Association (MCLCA), the organization was formed to establish a dedicated community of learning center leaders and academic support professionals across postsecondary education.

As the profession evolved, the association expanded its scope nationally and internationally to address the emerging challenges of higher education. To reflect this broader global membership and impact, the organization officially became the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA) and later the International College Learning Center Association (ICLCA), continuing its longstanding commitment to scholarship, certification standards, and collaborative professional development.