Advanced Institute for Economic Development

The next Advanced Institute will be held August 11-15, 2025 in-person at Fresno State University

Registration will open in late Spring 2025. Please email Helen Schaubmayer at helen@enjoystlucia.com for questions.

The Advanced Institute for Economic Development (Advanced Institute) is the second requirement of the Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) program and encompasses the program’s advanced coursework. The Advanced Institute is offered in partnership with Craig School of Business at Fresno State. While reflecting universal best practices in economic development, all Advanced Institute courses emphasize California-specific curriculum and address the unique economic development environment  in California.

The format of the 2025 Advanced Institute will be held in-person at the Fresno State University campus. The Institute offers opportunity for class engagement via breakout activities, discussion, and networking. The Advanced Institute builds on the “Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program” (also known as “Keys to Successful Economic Development” or “Keys Course”) which has been offered by CALED in partnership with Fresno State University for over 13 years.

Prerequisite and Waiver Requests:

 The 4-day “Keys Course” is a prerequisite to the Advanced Institute, although a waiver of the Keys Course requirement may be considered for individuals with 6+ years of professional experience and/or individuals who have completed a comparable Keys Course in neighboring states. Additionally, individuals who have successfully completed comparable coursework or those with CEcD accreditation may request a waiver of certain Advanced Institute courses.  

 Waiver requests must be submitted to:

Helen Schaubmayer helen@enjoystlucia.com by 5pm on June 2, 2025.

Keys Course Waiver Form

Advanced Institute Course Waiver Form

Contact Helen Schaubmayer at helen@enjoystlucia.com if you have any questions about requesting a waiver.

 Earn your Certificate of Completion:

Each of the five days is a separate course instructed by knowledgeable and experienced professionals in that subject matter. At the end of each course day, an open-book quiz is given to students to assess their understanding of the material presented in the class that day. Students must receive a passing score on each course exam to successfully pass the Advanced Institute and receive their Certificate of Completion.

The five one-day courses offered (click on the course name to view its syllabus and instructor information):

–Each course will be held from 9am to 4:30pm (exact end time depends on length of daily course quiz)–
–Continental breakfast and lunch provided each day–

Who Should Attend:

  • Economic development professionals currently employed (or seeking employment) in California
  • Professionals in related fields whose job responsibilities include economic development functions
  • Those who have already attended the Keys Course and want to take the next step towards ACE certification

Registration Fee for Advanced Institute (Keys Course is a separate fee):

  • CALED Member = $1,300
  • CALED Non-member = $1,500

There is a limited-space availability so register early once open! (Payment must be received 2 weeks prior to the start of the Advanced Institute to attend.)

Registration will open in late Spring 2025. 

Registration will close August 1, 2025 or when full capacity reached.

Location:

Fresno State University
University Business Center, Craig School of Business
5245 N. Backer
Fresno, CA 93740-8001

CALED Event Cancellation Policy

CALED is pleased to incur expenses on your behalf to process your registration. If necessary, you may cancel your registration up to seven days before the day of the event (April 3) and your registration fee, less a 15 per cent handling fee, will be credited to a future CALED event of your choice or your CALED membership (to be used within a 12-month period). All cancellations must be sent to CALED in writing in order to be valid. CALED does not provide cash refunds for any reason. Registrants who cancel less than seven days before the day of the event and all no shows are responsible for full payment. You may make a substitution at any time.

 

ACE Certification Program:

Successful completion of the Advanced Institute is one of the requirements to become an Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE), but not the only criteria. To learn more about this California certification program, click here.

Contact Helen Schaubmayer at helen@enjoystlucia.com for questions and to get your name on our contact list.

 

 

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