On January 27, 2009, the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) announced a new Lead Professional Training scholarship program.

IDED recognizes that Iowa has a shortage of trained and certified lead contractors, workers, and inspectors primarily in the realm of lead abatement. Due to the impact of Iowa's 2008 disasters, this problem is compounded. In order to build the capacity and meet the demand for these services, IDED will immediately implement this program.

The parameters of the program are:

• Program will start immediately and will continue until such time as IDED deems the scholarship program ended.

• Trainees must be registered Iowa contractors and Iowa workers.
• Trainings must be held in Iowa.
• Trainees must successfully complete the course and present certificate in order to be reimbursed. They must also attest that upon training certification they will make their services available for Iowa's disaster recovery.
• All attendees register and pay for all expenses. They will present a request for reimbursement to IDED upon completion. See form for allowable expenses. It will be posted on the IDED website at http://www.iowalifechanging.com/jumpstart
• Recertifications/refreshers will also be allowed.
• IDED reserves the right to cap allowable registration reimbursement if standard rates increase.
• IDED staff encourage potential trainees to find information about available dates on the IDPH website/links to your organizations. http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/certified_lead_pr...
• Courses eligible under the program: Sampling Technician, Inspector-Risk Assessor, Sampling Technician & Inspector-Risk Assessor Refresher parts 1 and 2, Abatement Contractor, Abatement Worker, Abatement Contractor/Worker Refresher, and Safe Work Practices.

If you have any questions about the program, please call or email with questions: Cali.beals@iowalifechanging.com or 515-242-4822.