Bo Sellers, Professional Development Coordinator for Pierpont Community & Technical College, is participating in the Community Development Institute East (CDI East), one of five such institutes held throughout the United States. This month he completed the first in a series of specialized training sessions in community development.
CDI East is a series of three week-long training programs, established in 1987, that help develop an individual's ability to identify community problems, set goals, liaison with outside agencies, stimulate community interaction, and bring groups together to support competitive economic development, human resource development, and quality of life issues.
"I attended CDI East to increase Pierpont's ability to collaborate with West Virginia communities and support their economic development and quality of life," said Sellers. "This was a valuable training experience and I look forward to years two and three."
Michael Dougherty (right), Course Director for Community Development Institute (CDI) East presents Bo Sellers with his certificate for completing phase one of the community development training program.
Students attending the session in Bridgeport, WV, came from ten states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Texas, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
The Year One curriculum featured principles of community development, community development vs. economic development, team building, community profiles, personal leadership styles, community assessment, group dynamics, visioning and strategic planning, conflict management, understanding diversity, asset-based community development, communication skills, and the power of enthusiasm.
"Pierpont's Center for Workforce Education partners with business and industry in our thirteen county region to enhance the productivity of the workforce through professional development programs," said Paul Schreffler, Pierpont Associate Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development. "The knowledge and skills Bo learned at CDI East will help Pierpont bring a more holistic approach to our work within the communities we serve."
CDI East is endorsed by the Community Development Council (CDC) and is a principal component for the Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification.
Pierpont strives to enhance the quality of life for people and businesses of North Central West Virginia through accessible, affordable, comprehensive, responsive, workforce-related training, and quality higher education opportunities.
Pierpont offers more than 50 associate degree programs, skill sets, one-year certificates, and customized workplace training throughout its 13-county service region.
PRACTICAL ... POSSIBLE ... PIERPONT
