Combining a minor and/or certification in Youth & Nonprofit Leadership (YNL) with a major or an area can lead to important and exciting career opportunities and it can double career opportunities at graduation. 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 enrolled annually, the program is the largest American Humanics (AH) program in the country. AH is an affiliation of 70 colleges and universities that prepares students for leadership roles in youth and human service organizations. AH/YNL students, faculty and staff have worked with campus and community leaders to initiate and develop the local YMCA, United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Service Learning Scholars program, the MSU Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement and the Health Matters for Students program. Additionally, they have worked with local leaders in generating over $1,564,000 in grants and fund-raising for campus and community needs. The program has received 10 national awards and 28 local awards for excellence in leadership, education, service and research.

On October 8, the MSU American Humanics (AH) Program and the MSU American Humanics Council celebrated their 25th Anniversary. The AH and Youth & Nonprofit Leadership Programs at MSU were initiated in 1983 and Roger Weis, the AH Advisory Council, and University officials gathered to celebrate the 25 years of excellence. Dr.Kayla Stroup, former MSU President and current President of American Humanics, Inc. recognized the MSU program for its 25 years in the development and leadership in equipping students as professionals and leaders in the nonprofit sector. Additionally, Dr. Weis was recognized for his outstanding achievements in scholarship, curriculum development, grantsmanship, service learning , and Health Matters all of which place MSU program as one of the top AH program in the country.