The Nebraska Distance Learning Association began in March, 2000, with a gathering of 24 people representing various distance learning consortia, school districts, educational service units, community colleges, universities, state agencies, and medical centers across Nebraska. From that initial meeting began an organization which dedicates itself to the following mission and goals:

The Mission of NDLA is to provide leadership to the field of distance learning in Nebraska.

The Goals of NDLA include: promoting and advancing the use of distance learning; being the first and best source of information on statewide distance learning; serving as the representative of distance learning in Nebraska before government policy and regulatory bodies; providing recognition of the outstanding achievements in statewide distance learning through an awards program; providing information and case studies of successful distance learning programs and grant availability through various means; and serving as a catalyst for the formation of partnerships between education and all other sectors of the community, regional and state economy.