A consortium of researchers dedicated to improving the understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism

Free FEMA training courses on countering violent extremism available for a limited time through START

Courses available through March 2020

Enroll in one of the many free, interactive FEMA-certified training courses offered by START for a deeper understanding of ways to address ideologically motivated violence and targeted violence, from prevention to rehabilitation and reintegration.

Through its collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is offering a series of training courses designed to provide community-focused, rigorously researched and academically informed instruction on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) through March 2020. While each course is designed as a stand-alone offering to fill a specific training gap, the full set comprises a robust curriculum intended to increase expertise about CVE based on cutting-edge research and innovative training methodologies.

START debuted the inaugural course in the suite, AWR 355 W, Community-led Action in Response to Violent Extremism (CARVE), in March 2017. Entirely online and self-paced, CARVE provides a general introduction to radicalization to violence and community based efforts to address violent extremism.

In all, there are five courses available for registration, varying in format and duration. They include:

  • AWR 355 W, Community-led Action in Response to Violent Extremism (CARVE)
  • AWR 363 W, Integrating Mental Health and Education Approaches into CVE
  • AWR 365 W, Countering Violent Extremist Narratives
  • MGT 463 W, Designing Effective Community Responses to Radicalization to Violence (DECRRV)
  • AWR 380 W, Designing Effective Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programs to Address Violent Extremism

A sixth course, MGT 459, Coalition-Building for CVE and Community Resilience, is a two-day, in-person course that offers an opportunity for learners to develop a community-oriented plan for building partnerships and coalitions to address violent extremism, hate and bias crime, targeted violence, and to promote community resilience. It is currently available to host agencies in FEMA regions I, II, III, VII, IX, and X. Interested host agencies are encouraged to inquire about bringing this training to your community by emailing training@start.umd.edu.  

All courses are available – and free – until March 31, 2020. To learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, and to find the best course for you, visit the START website.