Through a USDA NIFA FSOP grant, eligible participants may now receive full coverage for course registration, certificates, and course materials for select FSPCA Lead Instructor courses.

What the Grant Covers

If approved, the grant includes the course enrollment fee, hard copy of the course materials, and FSPCA certificates. Note: Travel expenses are not covered.

Eligible Candidates Include:

• U.S. based university faculty and academic staff
• Extension specialists within the Land Grant networks
• Instructors with community-based organizations, local food hubs, or non-profits who have worked closely with the FSMA Regional Centers under the NIFA grants (e.g., have participated in FSOP grant projects).

Note: Students are not eligible.

Additional Requirements

• You must be an approved Lead Instructor Candidate (meaning you submitted an FSPCA Lead Instructor application and had your application approved)
• Additional prerequisites may apply, see the Lead Instructor Applicant Information webpages for complete details.

How to Apply for the Grant

• If you already have an approved Human Food and/or FTR Lead Instructor application, you may proceed with the grant application to determine eligibility.
• IMPORTANT! Grant approval must be obtained before the course start date; funding is not retroactive.

FSPCA Program Questions: fspca@illinoistech.edu

Technical Assistance: LMSadmin@ifpti.org