Because this course is delivered entirely online, participants are expected to have at least an elementary knowledge of a computer operating system and standard software and tools noted below. The necessary hardware and software are:

• Access to a stable internet connection
• Access to a device that connects to the internet well
• Screen size on your device that will allow for you to adequately view shared material and instructor/participant faces 
• A Zoom account—for weekly online gatherings
• A Google/Gmail account—for accessing and uploading shared documents on Google drive

Great question! You'll have the best experience by participating in all of the live classes. However, each session will be recorded and uploaded to the course platform weekly for the benefit of any participants who may have had an unexpected conflict and for reference for all participants.

Each week you’ll spend 2 hours in class (online via Zoom) and around 2-3 hours outside of class working on course assignments and activities.

Over the course of this 10 week training, you'll need to set aside a total of 35-40 hours to complete this course.

The course materials required for learning are all embedded in the training, hosted on Chalmers’ Pathwright online learning platform in an easy-to-follow lesson format. Additionally, it is recommended, but not required, that each Ambassador will purchase and read the following books at some point during or after the training: 

• Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty Isn’t the American Dream
• A Field Guide to Becoming Whole: Principles for Poverty Alleviation Ministries.
• When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself.
• Practicing the King’s Economy: Honoring Jesus in How We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give.

Each week, and prior to gathering online, participants should complete any assigned readings and activities for the lesson. 

A Zoom call will be scheduled each week for participants to join the instructor for learning and discussion. Significant participant contribution to all learning activities is expected. 

Our first few cohorts of the Ambassador Certification Training were invite-only, testing out the training with people who already had a long history with Chalmers.

Now that we are opening the doors a bit wider, we're allowing people we don't already know well to come to this training, too. The application process (which includes a brief questionnaire and a 30 minute interview with a member of our staff team) will help us get to know you a bit. Because Ambassadors may be the first or only interaction someone has with the Chalmers Center, we want to ensure that all of our Ambassadors are well-qualified and ready for the job as soon as they complete the certification training.

The Ambassador Training is only available to people living in the U.S. or Canada.

$950, which covers the full cost of the training (no additional books or resources required).

Our goal is to make Ambassador training accessible to all churches and organizations who are committed to effective poverty alleviation and community flourishing who would like to participate. If the cost is too much to consider for you, we invite you to inquire about a scholarship by contacting the Chalmers Center.

Additional discounts are available for learners who have completed other Chalmers trainings (Faith & Finances, Work Life, and Innovate), with discount codes provided upon request.

Great news, your access never expires!

No, you'll only attend one of the training times each week.

As demand for Ambassador certification has increased, we've decided to offer two simultaneous cohorts to better serve our Ambassador candidates' needs, offering them at different times of day.

After completing your application, you'll be asked to choose which time slot you plan to attend upon registration.

After successfully engaging with all training assignments, you will receive a Certificate of completion, authorizing you for service as an Ambassador with options for continuing education to keep certification active.

As an Ambassador, you will be authorized to lead cohorts through Chalmers online classes, speak about Chalmers’ tools and practices within churches or organizations, have regular insider access to the Chalmers team for product development, get a login for an exclusive online community of other certified Ambassadors, and more.

At present, no. You must still be certified as a facilitator for Faith & Finances or as a site for Work Life through additional trainings.

If you are already certified in either of those programs, you can receive a $200 discount on Ambassador training, however. Contact Chalmers for details.

Drop us a line on our Contact Us page. We’d be glad to help!