A History of the ECWCA

The East Central Writing Centers Association (ECWCA) is the oldest and most notable writing center organization in the United States. This organization provided the foundations for the National Writing Centers Association, International Writing Centers Association, and numerous other regional writing center organizations, both within the United States and abroad.

The ECWCA Annual Conference
ECWCA remains a primary regional conference of the IWCA and, unlike other regional conferences that have experienced less consistent fiscal health, this conference is one of two national forums deliberately accentuating the contributions and development of writing center tutors, as well as directors and other professionals.

With very few exceptions, ECWCA conference revenues have not only covered all host institution costs but also generated substantial revenue for the organization. Attendance has generally run between 125 and 175, with 50-75% of those attending participating in presentations of some kind. The ECWCA conference is also an important opportunity for host institution students and tutors to enter and begin participating in a relevant and sustained professional organization. See where the ECWCA Conference has been since 1988.

The ECWCA Region
There are over 475 writing centers represented within our region; we serve writing centers in high schools, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and specialized centers throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, as well as other regions nearby. Members of ECWCA include tutors, directors, and faculty interested in writing center work. We are a scholarly and professional organization, as well as a network and resource for people involved in writing center work.