Sponsored Scholarships Available April 28

Children of code enforcement agency personnel whose jurisdictional authority is an active ICC Governmental Member have the opportunity to apply for five Sponsored Scholarships: the ICC General Scholarship Fund; the William J. Tangye Scholarship; the J.W. "Bill" Neese Scholarship; the C.D. Howard Scholarship; and the Charlie O'Meilia Scholarship. Children must be dependents as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. Typically, this includes birth children, stepchildren, legally adopted children or a legal ward financially supported by the employee. The recipients for these scholarships must be enrolled in a recognized and/or accredited school such as a university, trade school, business college or other as approved by ICC prior to distribution of the award. The recipients are selected by a committee of volunteers.

The 2014 scholarship cycle opens April 28 and closes on June 27. Scholarships will be awarded by August 1.

Nine Earn Coveted ICC Master Code Professional Status

The achievement of the Master Code Professional (MCP) designation from the International Code Council is the highest level of ICC Certification and has become the gold standard for demonstrating proficiency in the building and fire safety profession. Currently, there are more than 700 MCP professionals worldwide, and their achievements are a benefit to the code enforcement profession, as well as their communities.

"The Master Code Professional certification is the pinnacle of all ICC certifications, representing a level of effort, knowledge, and dedication that elevates not only the individual achieving it, but the code official profession as a whole," said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO.

To become an ICC Master Code Professional, a candidate must first earn eight core ICC certifications plus an additional number of elective ICC certifications. Typical Master Code Professionals hold 17 or more ICC certifications. To become Master Code Professional, certified individuals must complete an additional 45 hours of Continuing Education Units every three years to maintain active status. Master Code Professionals are typically responsible for all technical and management aspects of code enforcement with duties that range from the management of a code enforcement department to the supervision of inspectors and plan reviewers. Click here for information on requirements needed to achieve the Master Code Professional designation.

ICC Social Media Keeps You Informed

The International Code Council's official company LinkedIn page has reached a milestone—the 3,000 member mark. Our official Facebook page has just over 2,400 likes, and our Twitter followers number almost 9,200. Our LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter social media outlets are open to Members and all stakeholders. And don't forget there are more than 20 separate topics that registered website users and ICC Members can discuss in ICC's Codes & Standards Discussion Forum.

Be social with us! Keep up to date on what's happening with the Code Council. Connect with us at LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.        

"Dirty Jobs" Star Salutes High School Building Trades

Mike Rowe of the popular television show "Dirty Jobs" posted a video on his foundation's web site about the value of hard work and the "demise of vocational education" that was inspired by a situation currently impacting the small town of Ottawa, Ill. The school board in the town recently voted to discontinue the building trades program at Ottawa Township High School due to financial concerns within the district, and fired instructor Dave Keely. As a result, hundreds of students, parents and tradesmen came togther to protest the school board's decision. More than 130 protesters were disciplined with three-day suspensions.

Though Rowe admitted he generally doesn't support many protests, he said he stands with the students at Ottawa Township High School. "I can't speak to their motives. I have no idea if they care more about the teacher, or more about the demise of vocational education. But either way, if I could be there with them, I would. I like that these kids are willing to suffer the consequences of speaking their minds. I like that the local trade unions are supporting them. I like that somebody is standing up for the skilled trades. Finally. In a place where it really matters."

Join America's Movement to Stay Safe during Disasters

America's PrepareAthon! is a nationwide, community-based campaign for action to increase emergency preparedness and resilience through hazard-specific drills, group discussions and exercises. The first National Day of Action is scheduled for April 30 and will revolve around taking actions to prepare for tornadoes, wildfires, floods and hurricanes. The goal of the campaign is to increase the number of individuals who understand which disasters could happen in their community; know what to do to be safe and mitigate damage; take action to increase their preparedness; and participate in community resilience planning.

After experiencing a variety of weather-related events during the past year, Building Officials Association of South Carolina Chapter President Michelle Hawkins of North Charleston says the timing is perfect for code and fire officials to get involved in the event. "With Building Safety Month approaching, hurricane season right around the corner, and the various types of emergency disaster situations our state has faced in the past year—including ice storms and earthquakes—I would like to encourage all building and code officials to get involved," she said.

To help move people to action, President Obama has directed all federal agencies to work with their stakeholders across the country to coordinate a comprehensive campaign to build and sustain national preparedness, including public outreach and community-based and private-sector programs to enhance national resilience. The theme for the event is Be Smart. Take Part. Prepare. And Join America's Movement to Stay Safe during Disasters. For more information and to register, click here.