About the Professional Certificate Program
Proficiency in Community Economic Development
Earning a Professional Certificate
Program Courses
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Enrollment Form [PDF]
Earn Graduate
Credits
A comprehensive community revitalization strategy must focus
on improving the local economy. That means creating an environment
that supports the growth of neighborhood businesses and provides
opportunities for entrepreneurs. Successful economic development
plans aim to improve the employment skills of local residents
and match those skills with the workforce needs of area employers.
Economic revitalization also requires the development of physical
facilities, infrastructure, and commercial centers that foster
a sense of place for the community.
NeighborWorks America’s training division
has designed courses to equip participants with the
skills and knowledge to carry out successful economic development
initiatives. The Community Economic Development professional
certificate will empower participants to effectively utilize
available financial and technical support tools to strengthen
resident workforces, invigorate local businesses and energize
a neighborhood economy!
About the Professional Certificate Program
Education with Results
The Professional Certificate Program for Community Economic Development consists
of a series of courses that provides the theoretical framework,
specialized tools, and technical skills necessary to design
and carry out successful economic development initiatives. The
courses will enable participants to design and implement
projects and initiatives that provide community economic benefits
such as:
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Increased income levels of community residents
by improving their skills and providing more jobs;
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Lower costs and better access to basic goods
and services;
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An improved infrastructure and better community
facilities;
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A more vibrant, active and innovative business
environment; and
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A safer and more attractive neighborhood.
The curriculum lays the foundation for non-housing strategies
aimed primarily at increasing the economic benefit of low- and
moderate-income communities and other disadvantaged populations.
The teaching methodologies emphasize a hands-on approach, combining
case studies, site visits, small-group exercises, and other
participatory learning methods.
Candidates
The courses are designed to be a useful training
resource for people involved in program design and implementation
as well as for funders and policy makers. Courses are appropriate
for directors and program staff of:
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Proficiency in Community Economic Development
Completing the coursework required to earn the Community Economic
Development professional certificate will enable participants
to:
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Apply community economic development theory;
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Use data to assess your local economy and
evaluate potential projects;
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Understand the commercial real estate development
process and its key players;
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Evaluate the financial feasibility of real
estate development projects;
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Design effective workforce development strategies
to improve residents’ job skills, access to employment
and career advancement possibilities;
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Develop initiatives to help local businesses
become successful; and
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Structure micro-credit or other financing
programs.
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Earning a Professional Certificate
Professional Certificates in Community Economic Development
will be awarded to individuals who successfully complete the
five required courses and three electives. Candidates are encouraged
to take Community Economic Development Principles, Practices,
and Strategies as their first course, although they are not
required to do so. Candidates must pass the test for each required
course, if applicable, and a comprehensive praxis assignment
at the end of all coursework. All requirements
must be satisfactorily completed within three years of application
to the Professional Certificate Program. It is possible to complete program requirements in as few as three institutes and,
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.
Program participants have the option of taking required
course tests online rather than on paper. Learn
more about online testing for Program of Study courses.
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Program Courses
Complete five required courses and three course electives and receive your Professional Certificate in Community Economic
Development.
Required Courses:
Elective Courses:
Participants should consider taking the following three courses together, as they are related and build upon each other. If you are interested in empowering local businesses in your community, these courses will help you maximize your learning in this area:
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