Combining a minor and/or certification in Youth & Nonprofit Leadershiip (YNL) with a major or an area can lead to important and exciting career opportunities. YNL prepares students for leadership roles in youth, human service, and other nonprofit organizations, such as the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs or America, hospitals, colleges, and ministries to mention several. According to the independent Sector, there are over 50,000 new positions open in this career field each year and it is growing faster than any other sector.
Students in the program develop competencies in areas that include leadership and supervision, program development, marketing, risk management, and financial procedures to mention a few. Each class includes an aspect of service learning in which students use what they are learning in class to develop a community service project. These classes help to qualify students as a Service Learning Scholar at graduation.
With over 200 students involved annually, the program is the largest program in the country and has received 6 national awards and 20 local awards for excellence in leadership, education, service, and research.