FAQ's - The Most Asked Questions About The Institute for Career Development

Q. What is ICD?
A. ICD is a benefit given to the Union Members by the United Steel Workers for the purpose of educating, training and develop-ping workers, using the most effective methods of educational technologies.

Q. Who can participate and take courses in the ICD program?
A. Active Union Employees, Laid-off workers who have not broken service, and for a period of two-years from the employees last day of work and any represented worker who suffers dislocation due to the closing of a facility.

Q. What are the types of classes provided by the ICD program?
A. There are customized classes (set-up by the ICD Coordinator) and credited classes (college courses).

Q. What are the customized classes?
A. Customized classes are classes that are requested by the Union Members and put together by the ICD Coordinator in a structured classroom or workshop. These classes are scheduled for Union Members who want to learn about a particular subject or interest without receiving college credit or certification. There must be at least five (5) Union Members enrolled for a class to be scheduled. Customized classes can virtually be anything that Union Members want to enhance their personal development.

Q. What are credited classes?
A. Classes taken at an accredited institution of Post Secondary Education. In other words you may enroll in college and take courses suited to your needs and goals. You can take core courses (English, Math and Science) or you can take courses for Certification in different vocational fields. ICD will pay for Union Members to take college courses and/or certification courses.

Q. How much money do I receive from ICD to take courses or go to college?
A. Each Union Member has $2000 per year from ICD. An additional $1800 may be used if the Union Member is enrolled in College. Approval must be granted to receive the extra $1800 by the ICD Committee based on career goals of students and progress in college.

Q. Who keeps up with the amount of money I have used taking ICD Classes or college courses?
A. The ICD Coordinator.

Q. What does ICD pay for if I enroll in College and take courses?
A. Tuition and books up to $2000 per year with the chance of receiving an additional $1800 tuition assistance.
 

Q. Does ICD pay for tools and supplies for the classes I take?
A. No.

Q. Will ICD pay for my spouse to attend College or take courses?
A. No

Q. How is the cost of an ICD customized class determined?
A. By the contracted amount agreed by the Instructor and ICD Coordinator, divided by the number of Union participants. EXAMPLE: $1000 to teach basic computer class – 10 participants = $100 per participant. $2000 minus $100 = $1900 for the remainder of the year.

Q. Can I take college courses online?
A. Yes, from any accredited Institution of Postsecondary Education.

Q. Does ICD pay me the tuition or book money?
A. No, the monies are paid directly to the school after the drop and add period. When you register for college courses a voucher is given to you by the ICD Coordinator, you will be made aware of the amount of money you have to date. You take the voucher to registration with you and the college fills out the appropriate information. Simply return the voucher, your bill will be paid upon receipt from the college.

Q. What Post Secondary Institutions are in this area? Do they accept ICD funds?
A. Many institutions in this area. Some are; Gadsden State Community College, Snead State community College, Wallace State Community College, Jacksonville State University, West Alabama University, marshall county Technical School.
Yes, all these schools accept ICD funds.