Learn by operating real-world systems.

CCA helps people build technical skills and advance their careers. We provide hands-on access to real systems, mentorship, and the resources you need to develop professionally.

What CCA Provides

Career Development

Build experience that translates directly to professional environments. CCA supports participants in developing any technical skill—from infrastructure to software development to design—strengthening resumes and opening career paths.

Hands-On Operations

Learn by configuring, operating, and maintaining real infrastructure. CCA emphasizes practical responsibility over guided tutorials or sandboxed labs.

Enterprise Software

Access professional tools and services, including cloud infrastructure, identity systems, VPNs, collaboration platforms, and operational tooling used in real organizations.

Real Infrastructure

Work with enterprise networking hardware, virtualization platforms, and production-style environments where changes matter and accountability is required.

About CCA

The Cooperative Computing Alliance (CCA) is a participant-governed cooperative that provides access to real enterprise computing, networking, and security infrastructure for educational and experiential learning.

Our Mission

CCA exists to make professional-grade computing infrastructure accessible for learning, experimentation, and skill development—while maintaining the standards of responsibility, security, and governance expected in real organizations.

Participant Access

Once enrolled, participants are granted role-appropriate access to enterprise applications and infrastructure. Access is governed, audited, and aligned with each participant's learning objectives and responsibilities.

Participation Requirements

To join CCA, you must:

  • Be sponsored by an existing CCA participant or approved by the board
  • Demonstrate a commitment to responsible learning and community contribution
  • Have a computer and reliable internet access
  • Agree to CCA policies, including acceptable use and security requirements

What Participants Learn

CCA supports participants in pursuing any technical skill they want to develop. While our infrastructure enables hands-on experience with networking, cloud systems, and security, we also support learning in software development, data analysis, design, and other technical disciplines. If you have a learning goal, we'll help you find a path.

Who CCA Is For

CCA is for anyone who wants to develop technical skills with real support. Whether you're a student, career changer, or practitioner looking to grow, CCA provides the environment, resources, and guidance to help you learn—whatever your focus.

Equipment Lending Library

Need hardware to learn? CCA operates a cooperative equipment lending library. Participants can borrow laptops, networking gear, and other hardware to support their learning—no need to buy your own equipment to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to join CCA?

CCA is free to participants. Infrastructure is provided through cooperative effort and shared stewardship, not commercial subscriptions. There are no participation fees or hidden charges.

Who can join CCA?

You must be sponsored by an existing CCA participant or approved by the board. Sponsorship ensures that participants understand the responsibility that comes with access to real infrastructure.

What will I learn?

That's up to you. CCA supports participants in pursuing technical skills across a wide range of disciplines—from infrastructure and security to software development and beyond. You set your learning goals, and we help you get there.

How do I enroll?

Connect with an existing CCA participant who can sponsor you, or contact us to apply for board sponsorship. Once sponsored, complete the enrollment process at enroll.coopalliance.org to set up your account.

Get Started with CCA

Email: info@coopalliance.org

Enroll Now