Dr. Bates Attend Year 2 of Leadership and Economic Development Program

September 19, 2022

Dr. DeMetra Bates, Executive Housing Director, The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), has recently completed the Year 2 of the 36th annual Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas on August 5, 2022.

Dr. Demetra Bates was selected as a scholarship recipient for the Community Development Institute for the second consecutive year in June 2022.

CDI trains community leaders and economic development professionals on how to strengthen their local economies and build communities. This is achieved by developing the ability of participants to identify community assets, set goals, encourage collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders, and bring communities, organizations and businesses together to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.

The complete institute experience is a three- year program, with one week of training per year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts and are a exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development.

UCA is the birthplace for the Community Development Institute, which started in 1987 in partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell, and ARKLA. Since that time, CDIs have been established in Texas, Idaho, Alabama, and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council, has been created.

More information about CDI can be obtained by visiting www.uca.edu/cdi. For more information about IDS' Housing Program, contact [email protected] or 601.266.5163.

Alt text for photo - Dr. Demetra Bates posing for picture with University of Central Arkansas backdrop