Youth and Community Engagement Minor

Program Overview

The Youth and Community Engagement Minor is an 18-credit program designed for students interested in working with urban youth, education, and community engagement. It enhances students' understanding of urban communities and promotes active engagement in service-learning experiences. Students can choose from a range of elective courses to complement their interests and career goals. The minor prepares students for careers in fields such as education, social work, community development, and urban planning.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Youth and Community Engagement Minor is an 18 credit hour program designed for students interested in working with urban youth, education, and community engagement.
It is open to students in all academic disciplines and complements careers in education, psychology, criminal justice, social work, international studies, community development, and related fields.
• Objectives: The minor aims to enhance students' understanding of the social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of urban communities, including the experiences and challenges of families and youth.
It promotes active engagement in service-learning experiences with K-12 schools and community organizations, fostering the development of organizational and leadership skills to address issues facing urban youth, schools, and communities.

Outline:

• Core Courses (9 credit hours):
• YCE 2200: Introduction to Youth and Community Engagement (3 credit hours)
• YCE 3100: Service-Learning in Youth and Community Settings I (3 credit hours)
• YCE 3200: Service-Learning in Youth and Community Settings II (3 credit hours)
• Elective Courses (9 credit hours):
• Students can choose from a range of elective courses that address youth and families, urban issues, or urban education, with advisor approval.

Assessment:

• Service-Learning Experiences: Students' performance in service-learning experiences is assessed through observation, reflection papers, and presentations.
• Coursework: Students' understanding of course content is evaluated through exams, quizzes, assignments, and participation.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The minor utilizes a combination of classroom instruction, guest lectures, and service-learning experiences.
• Faculty: The minor is co-advised by Dr. Romena Holbert and Dr. Christa Agiro, who are experts in youth and community engagement.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Youth program coordinator
• Community organizer
• Social worker
• Teacher
• Counselor
• Nonprofit administrator
• Urban planner
• Researcher