CGBG Advanced Training Scholarship Program
The CGBG Advanced Training Scholarship Program was designed to incentivize advanced training across the building industry in Colorado.
By increasing the skills and certifications of our local building professionals we seek to:
increase the resilience of our communities
reduce embodied and operational carbon impacts of the built environment
improve the air quality, health, and comfort of buildings
FAQ
Who can apply?
All individuals who live and/or work in Colorado and actively work in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industries. This program is for individuals of any age, level of education, professional experience, etc.
How does it work?
Individuals apply for funding toward a specified training program using the online application. Applications are accepted year round, and are reviewed on a quarterly basis (re: to the schedule below for scholarship deadlines and review times).
If a scholarship is awarded, CGBG will provide funds directly to the training affiliate on behalf of the applicant. The applicant will receive a discount code for the approved training, which will discount the cost of the training by the awarded amount. The applicant must register for the desired training, and pay for the balance of the training, within 30 days of the scholarship award. If you decide to opt out of the program, or postpone your training, individuals may always reapply.
The scholarship does not reimburse for a training that has already been paid for.
The scholarship does not provide funding for travel or board associated with training.
The scholarship does not reimburse costs for programs or certifications already completed.
How much funding can I apply for?
The committee uses the following guidelines to establish how much funding approved applicants can receive, and are designed so that the limited funding available can be distributed as widely as possible across the industry. All final award amounts are at the full discretion of the committee.
The scholarship can provide individuals up to 90% of the cost of the training for programs up to $500.
The scholarship can provide up to 75% of the cost of the training for programs over $500, up to $1,250.
Individuals can apply to the scholarship program more than once, but a lifetime individual funding cap of $1,250 is in place for all applicants.
Multiple individuals from the same company may apply for the scholarship fund, however, an annual business cap of $2,500 is in place on a rolling 12-month basis.
Are there payment plans available for the remaining cost of training?
CGBG does not offer payment plans, but many training providers do. Reach out to the company you wish to train with for additional financial options and resources.
When are applications due?
Upcoming Application Due Dates:
May 1st
Applicants can expect a response by May 17th.
August 1st
Applicants can expect a response by August 16th.
November 1st
Applicants can expect a response by November 15th
February 1st
Applicants can expect a response by February 14th
Please apply early, so that your application can be reviewed well in advance of your registration deadline. CGBG cannot guarantee registration availability for classes that have limited capacity or hold registration spaces on behalf of training providers.
Is there an application fee?
No, it is free to apply.
Do I have to be a member to apply?
No, you don’t have to be a member to apply, but if you are awarded a scholarship CGBG requires that you become a member for at least one year. Don’t worry, we’ll provide a discount code so that your one-year membership isn’t a cost burden to you!
What information do I need in order to apply?
The application includes questions about who you are, your work experience, and the training program you would like funding for. You can preview the application questions [here]. Note: only complete applications submitted electronically via the link at the top of the page will be reviewed.
How long does the application process take?
The board reviews scholarship applications on a quarterly basis. Following application review the board will reach out directly via email, please reference “response” dates provided in the FAQ. Please apply early enough for the committee to complete the application process on your behalf.
What should I do if the registration deadline for my training falls before the quarterly application deadline?
CGBG kindly urges all applicants to submit their applications well in advance of their training registration deadline. Please reference the application due dates provided in the FAQ to coordinate your submission date.
Can I apply and be reimbursed for funds I have already paid to the training affiliate?
If a scholarship is awarded, CGBG will provide funds directly to the training affiliate on behalf of the applicant. CGBG does not reimburse costs for programs or certifications already completed or paid for. The scholarship does not provide funding for travel or board associated with training.
What kind of programs qualify?
Training programs can take many forms, but must fit within the general mission of the Colorado Green Building Guild to lower the embodied and operational carbon impact of the built environment. Topics covered may include, but are not limited to:
natural material construction techniques
thermal insulation and advanced building assemblies
air tightness and moisture management
construction detailing and sequencing for high performance structures
efficient heating, cooling, and domestic hot water
mechanical ventilation and heat recovery
methods for energy retrofits of existing buildings
advanced energy modeling techniques
The training program must also be well suited to the applicants professional role and level of experience to be approved for funding.
Are there specific training programs you recommend?
We are open to all kinds of training programs, but we do affiliate with a few local trainers. Currently our affiliate trainers include:
The Passive House Network (become a Certified Passive House Designer!)
Visit The Passive House Network for current trainings
Energy & Environmental Building Alliance
Visit EEBA Academy for a full list of courses!
Emu Passive
Become a Certified Passive House Tradesperson!
Construction Instruction: Build Better in Minutes
Please apply early! While these deadlines represent CGBG application deadlines, we cannot guarantee that training will not reach capacity before or during the application review process.
Where can I go to learn the basics for free?
Xcel training
Local Trainings (free State, County, City trainings)
How do you evaluate applications?
All applications are reviewed by a subcommittee made up of CGBG Board Members and Committee Members. Prior to review, personal and identifying information is removed from the applications including name and company information. The committee determines whether or not the application meets the mission and intent of the program, and if the training is well suited to the applicant's professional role and experience level. From there the committee makes a recommendation for how much funding, if any, should be granted. Regardless of whether an application has been approved or denied, the board will contact the applicant via email. Applications can be denied for any reason without providing cause.
How many scholarships are awarded annually?
The total number of scholarships awarded depends on the cost of the training and amount of funding provided in each case. In 2023 we awarded over $19,000 in total scholarships!
How is the scholarship program funded?
CGBG raises funds each year through membership dues, sponsorship, and event revenue. At the end of each year the Board of Directors will determine the budget of the following year’s program.
Are you accepting sponsors? I’d like to help fund this scholarship.
Absolutely – please email a board member or admin@cgbg.org directly.
What is the criteria for training programs?
Has a curriculum outline that provides advanced / in depth training on topics appropriate to CGBG.
Training must be focused on a topic or a process that can be applied to many scenarios, as opposed to a specific product.
Has a live or interactive component - not required, but is encouraged
Can be live, online or in person
Can be self-directed, with live meet-ups or live mentorship (scheduled / structured)
Has an exam or certification pathway - not required, but is encouraged
General admission to conferences are not applicable
Specific workshops occurring at a conference are applicable
No travel or misc. expenses are applicable.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Colorado Green Building Guild shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, gender identification or expression, or military status in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to awarding of scholarships and selection of vendors and provision of services.