A vital part of the mission of IAWP is to "enhance member growth and development." IAWP helps the enhancement process through grants, the Workforce Professional Development Program (WPDP) and through conventions and institutes.

Grants

IAWP grants can be used for any training offered by a college, university, business school, high school, recognized professional or consulting organization (such as the American Management Association) for IAWP member. The training must result in credit hours, continuing educational units (CEUs) or a certificate. Grant amounts vary depending on the individual's number of consecutive years as an IAWP member. There are two grants available to members.

Go to the Scholarship section for details.

Workforce Professional Development Program (WPDP)

The WPDP is a series of study guides and examinations designed to reassure knowledge of employment and training programs and to provide recognition to those who complete the process successfully. Created in 1988 and updated periodically, the WPDP provides members and others working with the system an opportunity to learn more about their profession and to enhance career growth. The WPDP has been incorporated into some workforce development agency training programs, and it is recognized as an excellent cross-training tool. Currently available are History of Workforce Development, Unemployment Insurance, Business & Job Seeker, and Labor Market Information resource guides and exams.

Go to the WPDP Section for details.

If you have any questions about the WPDP, please contact Education Chair Susan Hair at (803) 737-0122 or e-mail her at shair@sces.org.

Conventions and Institutes

International Conference: Hundreds of members participate in more than three days of educational sessions and intensive workshops at the annual educational conference.

District Institute: The South Carolina and North Carolina chapters make up IAWP' District V. An annual district institute is held, alternating locations between the states. The 2007 Institute was held in Myrtle Beach, SC. The site of the 2008 Institute (in North Carolina) will be the Pinehurst Resort. Go to District V for more information.

Chapter Conference: The South Carolina Chapter has an annual Educational Conference which includes numerous hours of workshops and training vital to professionals in workforce programs. The location rotates throughout the state, with the 2007 conference held in Columbia. The 2008 Conference will be held in Spartanburg at the Marriott Spartanburg at Renaissance Park April 24-26. Go to the 2007-08 Calendar for more information.

Subchapter Meetings: The South Carolina Chapter is broken into four smaller subchapters. Each subchapter usually has a spring and a fall meeting which features a guest speaker, along with a business meeting and networking session. Go to South Carolina Subchapters for more information.