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Excellence in Corps Operations (ECO):

ECO is a self-assessment and peer review process which recognizes Corps making a commitment to high-quality standards and continuous improvement. Its purpose is to promote and recognize excellence in the Corps movement and provide evidence of a Corps’ continued self and outside evaluation.

Corps use the process as a tool to identify strengths and challenges and bolster program quality. ECO status is awarded to Corps who complete the ECO process and submit Annual Report Forms for a period of five years. Corps can renew their ECO status by completing the ECO Renewal process.

Peer Reviewers are selected for the fit of their experience and expertise to each Corps’ self-identified needs. Participating in ECO as a Peer Reviewer is a unique professional development opportunity for experts in the Corps movement.

For Frequently Asked Questions about ECO, click here.

Why Your Corps Should Participate in ECO:

The Value of Self-Assessment. Corps consistently report that the greatest value of ECO is the process of completing the self-assessment. The ECO standards offer a comprehensive framework with which to guide discussion about a Corps’ current state and future. The knowledge and experience of Corps staff are tapped during participation in the ECO process.

Experienced Peer Reviewers. Three ECO reviewers are chosen from The Corps Network community. These reviewers are selected for the fit of their experience and expertise to the Corps’ self-identified needs. Reviewers will ask questions a Corps had not thought to ask itself and offer recommendations of effective practices tested at their own Corps.

Cost-Effective Assessment. The ECO process is an acceptable evaluation for Corporation of National and Community Service grantees receiving less than $500,000 a year. It is also one of the most valuable – and least expensive - assessments around. Reflecting its commitment to sustaining and growing the Corps movement, The Corps Network shares the cost of the process with participating Corps.

A Forum to Gather Partners. The ECO process is an ideal opportunity to engage partners—funding, community, project—in the discussion. ECO Corps often involve partners in the process to provide ECO visitors with their vital perspective and, in turn, further invest them in the Corps. A partners’ participation in the ECO process demonstrates the value the Corps places on that relationship.

Access to the Knowledge of the Corps Community. Corps that have participated in ECO have continuing access to effective practices through The Corps Network and its online resource center. ECO also facilitates Corps to Corps communication and contact with reviewers based on the common ground of the ECO Standards. Connecting through ECO and its Standards allows Corps references and resources to facilitate continuous improvement.