School Programs Overview
 

The ICP curriculum is delivered through community colleges and technical schools, which are well positioned to meet the needs of their local business community. These schools offer:

• Practical, skills-based training with an extensive catalog of technical and business courses taught by instructors with real-life, industry experience.
• Flexible and affordable education, with costs ranging from only $75 to $350 per course.
• A student population drawn from local residents who are invested in their community, interested in upgrading their professional skills and a good fit for industry salary and career path expectations.

 
At each ICP program, a volunteer Advisory Committee of industrial distribution and manufacturing employers works with school faculty and administrators to tailor the core curriculum  to meet the specific needs of local employers and to adapt to structure of each college. Students may take select courses, work towards a certificate or earn an associate’s degree in industrial distribution.

To ensure a successful implementation of the ICP curriculum, ICP cities and schools are selected based on a number of prerequisites:
 

• Employer concentration: Sufficient number of local distributors and manufacturers to provide jobs for at least 20 graduates each year.
• Industry support and participation: Local industry executives committed to spearheading the initiative and working with schools and the ICP Partner Alliance to engage other employers.
• School location: Campus(es) located near industry employers.
• Course catalog: Existing catalog includes business and technical classes to teach core competencies.
• College structure: Demonstrated success creating interdepartmental programs.
• Industry familiarity: Understanding of distribution channel and existing relationships with industry firms through school programs or initiatives.
• Marketing/recruiting: Interest and financial commitment to promote program and recruit students, supported by existing recruitment activities targeted at own and high school students.

ICP currently supports a number of programs in the United States and Canada.