Community Economic Development Professional Certificate Program

Job Specific Certificate Opportunities

The NeighborWorks Training Institute Community Economic Development Professional Certificate Program presents key principles, concepts and strategies aimed at developing the capacity of community development professionals to understand and effectively respond to the economic challenges facing their communities. The Program offers highly regarded training featuring core community economic development competencies coupled with opportunities to learn about the latest innovative strategies from leading practitioners in the field. NeighborWorks strives to provide a learning environment that encourages collaboration and peer sharing for practitioners, facilitated by experts in Community Economic Development.

Teaching methodologies emphasize a hands-on approach combining case studies, site visits, small-group exercises and other participatory learning methods.

Earning a Professional Certificate

Professional Certificates in Community Economic Development are awarded to individuals who successfully complete three required courses, five electives and a written capstone project. Candidates should be able to complete the Professional Certificate Program in as a few as three training institutes or in combination with NeighborWorks online eLearning. With prior approval by training division staff, candidates may receive credit for relevant courses taken no more than two years prior to enrollment in the Professional Certificate Program.

Candidates must take the online tests for the applicable required courses. Learn more about online testing for Professional Certificate Program courses.

Proficiency

The Community Economic Development Professional Certificate Program is designed to equip participants with core knowledge and skills, while allowing them flexibility to tailor learning to meet their professional needs and interests. Professional Certificate Program participants gain an understanding of both the theory and practice of various community economic development strategies. Completing the required coursework to earn the Community Economic Development Professional Certificate will enable you to:

• Apply community economic development theory;
• Use data to assess your local economy and evaluate potential projects;
• Understand the commercial real estate development process and its key players;
• Evaluate the financial feasibility of real estate development projects;
• Make the case for a mixed-use project before your board, financing partners and City Council;
• Create an effective revitalization program for your business district;
• Develop initiatives to help local businesses become successful; and
• Design and administer a loan portfolio for small business finance.