UPO's Weatherization Training Center Grand Opening Set For Friday, December 17, 2010 at 11:30 AM

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Planning Organization officially opens its Weatherization Training Center (WTC) on Friday, December 17, 2010 at the center's location, 915 Girard Street, NE, Washington, DC. Ribbon cutting ceremonies set for 11:30 AM.

UPO created the training facility in partnership with Washington, DC's Department of Human Services, Community Services Block Grant Office in order to provide weatherization training to area residents using the latest cutting-edge technology. To date, UPO has trained more than 244 DC residents under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, often referred to as "Stimulus." Many of those graduates are currently part of the Metropolitan Washington, DC area's weatherization workforce.

The UPO/WTC trains students to become weatherization technicians, installers, energy auditors, and building analyst professionals. Students receive substantial classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory projects. Classroom instruction includes building science fundamentals theory, practice, and methodologies relating to the installation of weatherization materials in residential dwellings. Specialized training emphasizes the importance of "strategic air-sealing" techniques designed to help optimize the overall effectiveness in systems air infiltration/ex filtration.

WTC laboratory training develops skills using hand/power tools, the application of caulk, foam, weather-stripping, insulation, ventilation, sheet rock, window/door repair, and others. Courses provide for specific competency requirements with certificates awarded to students upon their successful completion of written exams and laboratory exercises.

According to Wayne Hodges, director of UPO's Green Technology Division, "UPO's Weatherization Training Center is committed to providing professional training focusing on improving the health, safety, and comfort of home occupants. As part of this commitment, every participant will learn the importance of conducting safety tests on all combustion appliances utilizing Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards prior to any weatherization or diagnostic work."

UPO plans call for fee-based instruction as well as grant supported options for qualifying Washington, DC residents.

ABOUT UPO: The United Planning Organization, the designated community action agency for Washington, DC, was established December 10, 1962 to plan for area-wide human services. Today, UPO, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, operates Head Start and childcare activities, the Foster Grandparent program along with neighborhood based community services. UPO receives its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Labor, Corporation for National and Community Service, DC Department of Human Services, DC Department of Employment Services, DC Department of the Environment, DC Department of Health, Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness, Community Services Black Grant, and other sources. UPO's official web site is: www.upo.org.

SOURCE United Planning Organization