In an effort to enhance regional work with youth in the community, VCU Continuing and Professional Education (VCU CPE) and the Mary and Frances Youth Center (MFYC) launched the inaugural cohort of the VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management. Welcoming 27 dedicated individuals in August, this groundbreaking program provides essential training in positive workforce development for those working to improve outcomes for youth.
As a noncredit credential, this opportunity is offered through a shared partnership between VCU Division of Community Engagement and VCU CPE. It equips professionals across various sectors, including early childhood education, "Out-of-School Time" youth and young adult programs, school and community settings, and healthcare facilities, with the skills needed to excel in roles such as caregivers, mentors, teachers, healthcare providers, youth program leaders, and managers.
The success and development of this certificate are made possible through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Vaughn Whitney Garland, Youth Education Manager, and Misti R. Mueller, Ed.D., Executive Director, both of MYFC. Their vision and leadership have been instrumental in bringing this program to life, focusing on addressing the multiple factors that influence young people’s academic, physical, and social development.
"The Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management is many years in the making and was created in direct response to a request from VCU partners who provide essential services and programs to youth in our community," Garland explained. "I am proud that the MFYC, CPE, and VCU heard that request and embraced this initiative with such enthusiasm and commitment. This new work will have a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of professionals, youth, and their families across the city, region, and throughout Virginia."
In the current cohort, we are proud to have participants from the following esteemed organizations:
- Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond
- City of Richmond Mayor's Youth Academy
- City of Richmond Parks and Recreation
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Just C For Change
- Peter Paul Development Center
- Richardson-Keys The ARTS Community Center
- Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club
- STEM Education and Innovation Center
- Storefront for Community Design
- The Hive
- VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute
- VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center
- Voice of Jubilee
- WE Unite LLC
- YWCA Richmond
Participants are gaining the tools necessary to implement best practices for engaging with diverse communities across the Commonwealth, making a significant impact in the field of youth development and health. One participant noted, "This is the type of space that you can learn from somebody else. There are gems in the room and we are a family."
Those interested in joining next year’s cohort (beginning August 2025), should sign up for the mailing list and more information will be provided about the 2025 application process. Sign up here.
