Education

The Pennsylvania Downtown Center is dedicated to making the Main Streets and Elm Streets of Pennsylvania into the best places they can be. That being said, we offer levels of classes for those interested in learning about the Main Street approach.

Downtown 101

Downtown 101 is designed as an introduction to the Main Street Approach to revitalization. It includes discussions of mission, vision, basic nonprofit management, and the relationship between the PA Downtown Center, National Main Street Center, and the PA Department of Community & Economic Relations.

Community Revitalization Academy

The Community Revitalization Academy (CRA) is a series of five (5) workshops designed to provide first year Main Street managers, Elm Street managers, and other interested revitalization professionals with intermediate level instruction based on the Main Street Approach of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Program and the Five-Point Approach of the Pennsylvania Elm Street Program. While these two programs have slight variations in the nomenclature and certain program activities, there is a high degree of consistency in the training required to effectively and efficiently implement these programs.

The CRA offers a deeper dive from the Downtown 101 into the four points of the Main Street Approach: Organization, Asset Enhancement, Design, and Marketing, and a fifth session dedicated to Safe, Clean, and Green. Fall and spring cohorts are now being offered by the PA Downtown Center. The classes are a mix of in person and virtual. The final workshop, Safe Clean & Green will take place during the PA Downtown Center’s annual conference with a celebration of completion during the Townie Awards event.

It is highly recommended for all new Main Street managers to take this course within the first 6 months of starting a new position. These educational courses are required for the Main Street Matters Main Street and Elm Street Designation Program and Main Street America Accreditation. It is also valuable for additional staff or board members to enroll.