NDSU’s Office of Distance and Continuing Education is now offering a 13-credit, online Youth Program Management and Evaluation Graduate Certificate program. The graduate certificate is offered online to help meet the demand for graduate education for youth development professionals.

Each summer there are a variety of youth activities designed to educate and entertain youth who are on summer break from school. In addition to educating and entertaining youth, these programs play an important role in their development.

“Rather than just keeping youth out of trouble during the summer months or after school, there is a growing recognition that we should be promoting their positive development,” said Joel Hektner, associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science. “In order to do this, working parents are increasingly turning to youth programs to provide that enrichment.”  

The youth program management and evaluation program teaches Positive Youth Development. Rather than focusing solely on corrective measures, a Positive Youth Development approach equips teenagers with the skill set necessary for a successful transition into adulthood.

This online program prepares individuals who work in youth-related organizations like 4-H, Boys and Girls Clubs, faith-based groups, community recreation, correctional facilities and other nonprofit organizations with foundational knowledge of youth development programming.

The program consists of one core course and four elective courses for a total of 13-credits. Students in the program may choose to continue their studies through NDSU Distance and Continuing Education’s online Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science: Youth Development option. 

For more information about the new online Youth Program Management and Evaluation Graduate Certificate go to http://ndsu.me/dceypmgc or call 701-231-7015.

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.