The Ohio Cooperative Education Association (OCEA) is a nonprofit professional association founded in 1971. OCEA membership is open to employers, educators, and those interested in Cooperative Education in the state of Ohio.    

Co-operative Education (Co-op) is an academic program designed to enable students to integrate classroom theory into practice in an employment position related to their major field of study. Co-op is an extension of the classroom in industry. The Co-op experience provides students with enhanced knowledge in their major field of study, professional and personal development, and the opportunity to experience the exchange of information between the academic environment and industry.