Specialized Training — Place-Based Training

In response to the demand for high quality community development training, NeighborWorks America presents "place-based" training courses conducted by request and with support from partner organizations. Learn more about how your organization can request an on-site training. Place-based trainings are available for affordable housing, homeownership, foreclosure, community stabilization and other topics. To see a list of the current events open for registration or to apply for a scholarship to attend place-based training, visit the online registration and scholarship application page.

"The information shared this week will (assist) hundreds . . . in communities throughout the state. These citizens will experience an improved quality of life which will in turn improve each community in which they live. This type of education is a true humanitarian value." — Place-Based Training participants

Steps to Request On-Site Place-Based Training Courses

1. Organizations requesting place-based training must select courses from the NeighborWorks Training Institute course catalog.  Complete a Request for Place-Based Training Form [PDF] and submit by mail or email to:
   
   NeighborWorks America
   Training Division
   Attn: PBT Coordinator
   1325 G Street, NW, Suite 800
   Washington, DC 20005
   email: bharvey@nw.org
   
   
2. NeighborWorks America's Training Division will review and verify that the requested course, materials and instruction are available for a place-based venue.  Requests must be received at least 12 weeks prior to the requested start of the event.
   
   
3. If the requesting organization is a NeighborWorks organization, the Training Division will consult with the appropriate NeighborWorks district office to ensure the event is complementary to other planned activities within the district.  If the district office is in agreement and the schedule works, the Training Division will proceed to facilitate the place-based training.
   
   
4. Requesting organizations are required to sign a "memorandum of understanding" indicating adherence to the following key requirements:
   1. The Sponsoring Organization will:
      • Be responsible for participant travel (if applicable), hotel/meeting space, logistics, audio/visual, computer equipment, and all other logistical needs of the meeting space and participants;
      • Provide adequate facilities and use the methodology, course content and time period recommended for each course by NeighborWorks America; and 
      • Use the online registration system.  
   2. NeighborWorks America will:
      • Engage and contract course trainers/instructors (only NeighborWorks America-approved trainers may provide the course, conduct the course evaluations and certify participant course completion);
      • Produce and provide all course materials; and
      • Provide course completion certificates.
        
        
5. Sponsors may invite up to 35 participants per course and instructor; however, this number could be lower depending on the course and appropriateness for the content and methodology.  More than 35 participants would require the establishment of a second class with another approved instructor. Due to the associated costs, place-based training is not recommended in cases of less than 15 confirmed registered participants.
   
   
6. Applicable courses may be credited towards one of NeighborWorks America’s professional certificates in a Program of Study. Individuals desiring to receive course credit towards a professional certificate in a Program of Study may be asked to take a test on site, online (when available), or take-home exam. Participants taking courses as part of a professional certificate program must indicate this to the trainer, who will convey this information on the roster along with the list of successful participants. 

On-Site Place-Based Training Fees
A fee is charged to organizations that request that a NeighborWorks Training Institute course be delivered locally. The fee is significantly lower than comparable training market rates or the cost of sending 25–35 individuals to a NeighborWorks Training Institute with accompanying expenses. Fees are based on the course(s) and number of training days. For current pricing guidelines, please contact the Place-Based Training Coordinator at the address or fax number listed above.