The VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development offers essential training in workforce and positive youth development. Designed for professionals across various sectors, including early childhood education, outside-school-time (OST) youth and young adult programs and services, school and community group settings and healthcare facilities/offices. This certificate equips participants with the skills needed to excel in roles such as caregivers, mentors, teachers, healthcare providers, youth program leaders, and managers. By addressing the unique needs of Richmond's youth population, the certificate aims to establish best practices for engaging with diverse communities across Virginia.

Focus: Cultural, racial, societal, and systemic factors influencing young people's academic, physical, and social development

The VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development is an ideal program for individuals committed to making a significant impact in the field of youth development and health. Through its focused curriculum and experiential learning opportunities, students will emerge as leaders equipped to face the challenges and opportunities in the evolving landscape of youth lives.

This certificate is a non-credit credential managed by the VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center.

The VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development provides essential training in workforce and positive youth development skills for professionals across various sectors, including early childhood, youth, and young adult programs. These professionals play diverse roles, serving as caregivers, mentors, teachers, group leaders, healthcare services, welfare workers, case managers and program managers. Often, their responsibilities extend to supporting families and fostering community engagement.

The VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development spans three semesters and combines coursework with on-site field placements. Cohort members examine topics such as positive youth development, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) practices, program and curriculum planning, and evaluation and assessment systems for youth programs. Through lectures and practical experiences, Cohort members explore the cultural, racial, societal, and systemic factors influencing young people's academic, physical, and social development. The curriculum specifically addresses the unique needs of Richmond's youth population, aiming to establish best practices for engaging with the diverse local and regional communities. However, The VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development also offers exemplary practices applicable to cities and regions throughout Virginia. Examples of best practices highlighted in the program include:

Culturally responsive programming tailored to meet the needs of diverse youth populations in the Richmond region and throughout Virginia.
Collaborative community partnerships that enhance access to resources and support networks for young people.
Holistic approaches to youth development that consider social, emotional, and academic needs.
Leadership strategies that promote inclusivity and empower young people from marginalized backgrounds.
Innovative methods for empowering youth in decision-making processes and civic participation throughout the Commonwealth.

These examples illustrate how the certificate program not only addresses the specific context of Richmond but also offers insights and strategies applicable to youth development efforts statewide.

Regional Site Visits: Cohort members participate in site visits with youth and youth organizations as stipulated by MFYC staff.

Upon completion of the program, certificate holders are equipped with the skills to effectively connect with youth and collaborate with program partners. Additionally, they gain access to career opportunities within the region and across Virginia. The VCU Advanced Certificate program aims to enhance the quality of youth programs by providing focused coursework delivered by community-based facilitators and content experts, preparing future youth professionals to excel as leaders, educators, mentors, and caregivers.

The registration process for the 2025/26 cohort will launch in March 2025.

Sign up here to receive updates for next year.

Contact Information: For inquiries and applications, please visit VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center or contact Dr. Vaughn Whitney Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu

Three semesters of coursework designed for professionals working with youth, including:

School Educators, Administrators, Volunteers, and Staff

- Teachers (elementary, middle, and high school)
- Principals and Assistant Principals
- School Counselors
- School Nurses
- Administrative Staff
- Classroom Aides
- School Librarians
- School Volunteers (e.g., PTA members, community volunteers)

Early Education and Out-of-School-Time (OST) Programs

- Preschool Teachers and Staff
- Head Start Program Workers
- After-School Program Coordinators
- After-School Program Tutors and Mentors
- Summer Camp Counselors
- OST Program Volunteers

Non-Profit Youth Organizations and Community Groups/Centers

- Youth Mentoring Program Coordinators and Mentors
- Full and Part-time Program Staff
- Program Coordinators and Managers
- Community Center Directors
- Non-Profit Program Volunteers

Healthcare, Community Service Boards, Youth and Family Counseling Services, and Youth Detention Centers

- Pediatricians and Family Doctors
- School Nurses
- Mental Health Counselors
- Social Workers
- Juvenile Probation Officers
- Detention Center Staff
- Family Therapists
- Substance Abuse Counselors
- Community Health Workers

Current Undergrad and Graduate Students

- VCU and VCU Health students, faculty and staff

VCU Priority Partner Communities

- Residents and parents
- Community Leaders
- Local Business Owners
- Neighborhood Association Members
- Community Organization Members and Staff

Faith-Based Groups and Programs

- Youth Group Leaders
- Sunday School Teachers
- Church Volunteers
- Faith-Based Non-Profit Staff
- Clergy Members
- Program Managers
- Religious Education Coordinators

Summer and Extended-Day Youth Camps

- Camp Directors
- Camp Counselors
- Camp Activity Coordinators
- Camp Volunteers
- Sports Camp Coaches
- Art and Music Camp Instructors

Anyone Who Works With or Engages Youth

- Sports Coaches
- Dance Instructors
- Art and Music Teachers
- Scout Leaders
- Youth Program Coordinators
- Life Skills Coaches

Endorsed by

A Regional Need for Workforce Development

The Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management emerged from a collaborative effort initiated by an OST partnership with the Mary and Frances Youth Center in November 2023. By equipping individuals with essential skills and knowledge, the program endeavors to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of meeting the diverse needs of youth in Richmond and Virginia. Ultimately, the impact of this initiative extends beyond individual career advancement, fostering robust workforce development and strengthening connections between trained certificate holders and youth engagement, thereby nurturing enduring careers in this vital sector.

	Johnnette Allen Goes by Jay "I would like to be seen by others how others view me. Everyone see things differently"
	0luwatosin Aliyu Goes by Grace Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program "To be seen as a youth influencer"
	Kai Banks Storefront for Community Design “I want to be seen as a passionate advocate and community leader who is deeply committed to creating equitable access to resources, fostering meaningful connections, and empowering others through innovative and inclusive approaches”
	Kamala Bhagat Artist and Cultivator “I want to be seen as a vessel of evolution and imagination who narrates a journey of connectedness and wholeness, grounding my creativity in nature and honoring my origins and ancestors through circular ideation that fosters balance and inspires others to inhale inspiration and exhale joy within their context.”
	Doug Bolden City of Richmond Parks and Recreation “Quiet mostly but a willing participant”
	Brittany Boone City of Richmond Parks and Recreation “I would like to be seen as positive and helpful person!”
	Chenice Brown Just C “I want to be seen as a person who is showing up with the love of Christ. I want people to leave different when they encounter me because I was able to sow into them in a tangible way. I want people to see me as the “Hope Dealer” helping to create change.”
	Imiir Carrington Goes by Tink Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond "I would like to be seen by my peers as someone eager to learn from others and committed to my work."
	Christina Clark STEM Education and Innovation Center "In a youth development certificate program, I want to be seen as a passionate, knowledgeable, and effective professional."
	Justine Coleman VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute "I'm a self-motivated individual who enjoys challenging tasks, looking for ways to grow and meet others where they are."
	Daninelle Derricott Goes by Coach D. VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center Dani is “dedicated to empowering youth through education, athletics, and community engagement, leveraging his sports background to inspire and mentor young people.”
	Cindy Doyle Richardson-Keys The ARTS Community Center "I am gracious, loved and filled with optimism."
	Angelica Heath City of Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building, Youth Engagement Services "I wish to be seen as a change maker and advocate, living life optimistically and leading with enthusiasm, love, courage, and passion to make a lasting impact in the lives of others."
	Earl Hughes City of Richmond Parks and Recreation I want to be seen as "Different."
	LaToya Mayo Goes by Coach Toya City of Richmond Parks and Recreation “I am a Recreation Instructor, Cheer Director, Youth Mentor Coach and Team Lead for Out of School Time. I enjoy what I do and love working with our youth.”
	Ashley Diaz Mejias Voices of Jubilee "I hope to be seen as a community member, parent and pastor committed to accompanying those harmed by incarceration, especially children and their support networks, in practical ways and as a believer in hope who cooperates with, supports and contributes to the community's movement toward freedom"
	Sam Mickey YWCA of Richmond "I want to be seen as a genuine person who's trying their best to grow and support others in their growth."
	Tasha Moore Peter Paul RVA / WE Unite LLC "I want to be known as a disruptive leader. Someone willing to disrupt the norm in order to create more sustainable and equitable impact for communities - 'My time on earth is limited. I will not only age with grace, but also with mischief, audacity, and a good story to tell!"
	Alison Owens Goes by Alice Peter Paul RVA "I would like to be seen as open-minded, positive and helpful."
	Kiana Pugh Goes by Kee “I’m excited to start my first journey to be become a family social worker”
	Melanie Ramos City of Richmond Parks and Recreation "I want be seen as kind, hard-working and purposeful."
	Devyn Reid "I want to be seen as somebody who is worth everything I deserve."
	Talmadge Richardson City of Richmond Parks and Recreation “I would like to be described by others as a kind knowledgeable young man.”
	Justin Robinson Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, Central Virginia "I’d like to be seen as the person God created me as."
	Sherlitha Robinson Goes by Litha City of Richmond Parks and Recreation "I would like to be seen as someone who is a sponge when it comes to learning new things."
	Alyaa Stephen Goes By Aly “An optimistic, hardworking and resilient young woman who strives to uplift herself and her community.”
	Anais Wyche The Hive “I want to seen for my skill and not my skin. I want my heart to shine bright and my passion to enter rooms before my body ever makes it in.”