AED, formerly the Academy for Educational Development (1961 to 2011), was a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focused on education, health and economic development for the "least advantaged in the United States and developing countries throughout the world." AED operated more than 250 programs in the United States and in 150 other countries around the world. History and scope AED was founded in 1961 by Alvin C. Eurich and Sidney Tickton. Originally focused on providing technical assistance related to higher education management in the United States, AED expanded into instructional technology, education reform, and civil society support in the US and around the world. It also focused on promoting health in developing countries through environmental communication, social marketing and other disciplines. AED worked throughout the United States and in 167 countries. AED operated more than 250 programs to help people improve their lives through better education, health, and economic opportunities. It was a member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. Programs AED had five main program areas: global health, population, and nutrition; global learning; leadership and institutional development; social change; and U.S. education and workforce development. Each group had between four and seven centers. AED was one of six partnership support organizations chosen by the New York City Department of Education to provide New York City public schools with technical assistance in a variety of areas. AED's Center for Academic Partnerships stated aim was to work with educational institutions and individuals in the United States and around the world to "strengthen and diversify academic exchanges and educational linkages." This Center facilitated international students' study in the United States, American students' study abroad and service learning abroad through the AED Development Fellows Program, as well as faculty and professional exchanges and short term institutes. On July 25, 2009, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced plans to send up to 10,000 Iraqi students per year to colleges in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia through 2014 as a part of the Iraq Education Initiative, for which AED will provide advice and support. Other programs included the AED Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, which began the Promising Practices in Afterschool System in 1999 with funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. AED's Middle Start program provided research-based professional development programs that invigorate teaching and learning resulting in improved rigor, equity, and achievement. The National Security Education Program David L. Boren