In keeping with its basic mission to enhance the professionalism
of its members, VEDA will offer up to two scholarships (amount
to be determined in the budget process) to attend any one of
22 accredited Basic Economic Development Courses offered
throughout the United States or any one of the International
Economic Development Council (IEDC) Economic Development Training
Courses
Affiliated with 21 universities and one state agency, the Basic
Economic Development Course (BECD) is to provide those
interested in economic development, or those new to the field,
with a foundation on the primary elements of the economic development
profession.
With 12 courses
offered in multiple locations around the country, IEDC’s
training courses are a source of economic development education
for professionals at all levels. Course topics cover key subjects
such as economic development planning, as well as specialized
issues like brownfield redevelopment and neighborhood development
strategies. Each course is guided by a curriculum, developed
over the past ten years and constantly updated with new ideas
and information.
The IEDC Courses can be taken independently
or as a part of the IEDC Certification process. VEDA does not
fund the taking of the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) exam.
Core courses offered include: Introduction to Economic Development;
Economic Development Credit Analysis; Real Estate Development & Reuse;
and Business Retention and Expansion. Elective courses are also
offered.
Depending on budget allocation, VEDA will award up to two scholarships
per year to individuals who work for communities, agencies, or
companies that due to budget constraints have difficulty funding
training for their employees.
Application information is preferred to be in electronic (email)
format for easy distribution to review committee; however, faxes
will be accepted. The application shall consist of
- A VEDA Scholarship
Request Form
- A resume
- Letter of support or recommendation from a superior or sponsor
- A one-page statement defining
the applicant’s role
in his/her community’s economic development efforts with
potential impacts of that involvement.
- Copy of the
budget for economic development from your organization, which
clearly specifies total professional development funds available.
Please list employer’s
total number of employees.
The following rules apply:
- Applicant’s job description
must be clearly defined as economic development.
- Individual must be a VEDA member prior to applying for a
scholarship. Candidates representing public organizations will
be given consideration in deference to applicants affiliated
with private firms.
- Financial needs of the candidate’s
organization will be given consideration.
- The scholarship is not transferable to another individual.
- The scholarship must be utilized within the calendar year
in which it is awarded.
Dates, times and locations of these courses may be found in
the Calendar section of this web
site.
