The inaugural partnership brings two professional certificate programs to northern Nevada this fall.
RENO, Nev. (Aug. 12, 2026) – The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges has partnered with Truckee Meadows Community College’s EPIC (Educational Programs Inspiring the Community) to launch two professional development courses this fall. While rooted in the justice system, the programs offer practical skills in leadership, collaboration, and grant writing that are valuable for professionals across the public, nonprofit, and community sectors.
The courses will be held at the NCJFCJ’s offices in downtown Reno and are offered in partnership with TMCC EPIC, which provides northern Nevada’s largest array of noncredit personal enrichment and professional development courses. EPIC’s accelerated certificate programs help learners build in-demand professional skills and advance their careers in as little as one to three months.
The partnership combines NCJFCJ’s nationally recognized expertise in judicial education with TMCC EPIC’s experience delivering accessible, community-based professional development throughout northern Nevada. The partnership will launch with two inaugural certificate programs.
The first certificate program, focused on grant writing, will be taught by Eryn Branch, M.A., director at NCJFCJ. Participants will learn the fundamentals of successful grant writing, including proposal development, needs statements, project planning, budgeting, funding research, and strategies for building competitive grant applications. Through real-world examples and hands-on activities, they’ll develop skills that can help nonprofits, schools, government agencies, courts, and community organizations secure funding for meaningful programs and services. Upon successful completion, participants will earn TMCC EPIC’s Grant Writing Certificate.
The second certificate program, focused on justice leadership and court operations, will be led by Joey Orduña Hastings, J.D., former CEO of NCJFCJ, and Allison List, Ph.D., director of behavioral health at NCJFCJ. Participants will explore court operations, the evolving roles of justice professionals, leadership, collaboration, communication, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and data-informed decision-making through real-world examples and guest speakers. Upon successful completion, participants will earn TMCC EPIC’s Justice Professional Certification.
Both certificate programs are ideal for professionals working in or alongside the justice system, as well as individuals interested in public service, nonprofit leadership, grant development, or careers in the courts.
“The court system is a cornerstone of our communities, and the professionals who keep it running need access to real, practical training,” said Amy Pincolini-Ford, JD, interim CEO of the NCJFCJ. “Partnering with TMCC EPIC allows us to meet that need here in northern Nevada, and we are proud to open doors for anyone interested in making a meaningful impact through public service.”
Registration is now open through TMCC EPIC. For course schedules, pricing, and enrollment information, visit the TMCC EPIC webpage.
More than 4 million families are impacted by the work of the NCJFCJ every year. To learn more about the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, visit ncjfcj.org.
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About the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges:
Founded in 1937, the Reno, Nevada-based National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges is the nation’s oldest judicial membership and education organization focused on improving the effectiveness of our nation’s juvenile and family courts. As a leader in continuing education opportunities, research, and policy development in the fields of juvenile and family justice, domestic violence, and domestic relations, this judicial member organization is distinctive in providing practice-based resources to jurisdictions and communities nationwide. The NCJFCJ serves an estimated 30,000 juvenile and family court professionals in state and tribal courts throughout the country, who impact more than 4 million families. To learn more about the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, visit ncjfcj.org.
About Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)
Truckee Meadows Community College is a comprehensive community college located in Reno, Nev., and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. With four college sites and more than 20 community education locations, TMCC serves more than 16,000 students each year in state-supported programs and another 7,800 students in non-credit workforce development classes. For more information, please go to www.tmcc.edu.
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