Building Leadership in Youth Programs
| Course code: | 25-SS-121 |
|---|---|
| Dates: | June 5 - July 31, 2025 Alternate Course Dates |
| Meets: | Th from 10:00 AM to 12 N, 7 sessions |
| Hours: | 16.00 |
| Location: | Off Campus & Online |
| Instructor: | Vaughn Garland |
| Fee: | $599.00 |
Description
This course focuses on developing the leadership skills of professionals working with youth in various settings. Through a combination of theoretical exploration and practical application, students will learn strategies for creating environments that foster youth leadership and positive youth voice. Topics will include curriculum development, organizational leadership practices, professional boundaries, legal responsibilities, and the promotion of healthy communities. Students will engage in activities to enhance their planning, project management, and reflective practices to support effective leadership in youth programs.
Course Objectives:
- To introduce students to theories and models of youth leadership development.
- To provide students with practical skills for planning and implementing youth-centered sessions and activities.
- To equip students with knowledge and strategies for effective organizational leadership, including planning and project management.
- To help students establish and maintain professional boundaries in their interactions with youth.
- To familiarize students with legal responsibilities and ethical considerations relevant to youth development professionals.
- To explore approaches for creating inclusive and supportive environments that promote the health and happiness of youth communities.
- To encourage students to reflect on their own leadership practices and identify areas for growth and improvement.
Course Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and importance of youth leadership and positive youth voice.
- Develop and implement youth-centered sessions and activities that foster leadership skills and empowerment among participants.
- Apply effective planning and project management techniques to organize and execute youth programs.
- Establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries to ensure the safety and well-being of youth participants.
- Identify and adhere to legal responsibilities and ethical standards relevant to their role as youth development professionals.
- Cultivate inclusive and supportive environments that prioritize the health and happiness of youth communities.
- Engage in reflective practices to evaluate their own leadership effectiveness and adapt their approach as needed.
- Collaborate with peers to celebrate the culmination of the course and share insights and experiences gained.
Course Schedule:
Week 1: Creating youth leadership and positive youth voice. SFAT Touchpoint. Sharron McDaniel, VCU Mentoring Coordinator, AAAC Mentoring Circle.
Week 2: Creating The art of developing successful curriculum and program plans. Oscar, VCU Library Main Library
Week 3: Creating Creating professional boundaries. Kim Young, Dope Black Social Worker.
Week 4: Creating Legal responsibilities for youth development professionals. Charlie Schmidt, Richmond Public Library, Law Library.
Week 5: Creating Organizational leadership practices and Management of Youth Spaces. Damon Jiggetts.Henrico Education Foundation.
Week 6: Creating Creating healthy and happy communities. Yolanda Hall, Unbreakable Minds
Week 7: Creating Overview and reflection / SFAT Superheros. Vaughn Garland, RichmondYDN with Susan Harding, VCU School of Education.
Notes
This noncredit certificate program includes 14 hours of coursework. Participants are expected to commit two hours per week. Each weekly session will require a submitted 300-word reflection of facilitation topics, discussion and site experiences. Sessions will be held in person at the Mary and Frances Youth Center. Depending on weekly facilitator needs, shared content may be offered online and as a hybrid model. A digital badge and certificate of completion will be awarded upon completion.The VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management is a noncredit certificate program and it is not designed for transfer, to apply credit towards another credential, or to meet licensure requirements.
Background Check Requirement:
As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe environment, a background check is mandatory for all individuals involved in youth engagement. Background checks are provided by VCU and Sterling Check. Following registration and prior to the start of the cohort in August, cohort members will receive instructions from Mary and Frances Youth Center staff on how to complete the necessary background check. Failure to complete this screening process, or the discovery of information that conflicts with the standards for successful youth engagement, may result in dismissal from the program. Background checks are required for on-site placements.
Attendance and Participation:
To successfully complete this noncredit certificate and earn the digital badge, cohort members are expected to actively participate in and attend at least two-thirds (2/3) of the weekly topics. Active participation includes engaging in discussions, completing weekly reflections, and contributing to group activities.
Course Questions? Should you have any questions about the course content, please reach out to ocpe@vcu.edu for assistance.
Instructor:
Dr. Vaughn Whitney Garland has over twenty-five years as a Richmond-based educator, community builder, and artist in Richmond. His expertise spans youth education, program development, fostering community dialogue, and contributing to place-making initiatives. Currently serving as the Manager of Youth Education at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, a Virginia Commonwealth University department under the Division of Community Engagement, Garland earned both a Ph.D. and an M.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has held positions in many of Richmond's non-profit arts and cultural organizations.
The Mary and Frances Youth Center is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment for all. Participants are subject to the VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Requirements and Expectations Guidelines and Code of Conduct to ensure a positive and supportive experience. Failure to adhere may result in removal from the program and disqualification from receiving the certificate.
Removal Policy:
We are committed to supporting a rewarding experience and journey, which highlights and celebrates the strengths of all cohort members. Compliance with all program policies and the VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management Requirements and Expectations Guidelines and Code of Conduct is mandatory. Failure to adhere may result in removal from the program and disqualification from receiving the certificate. Participants removed from a program or course for misconduct or non-compliance are not eligible for a refund. Participants have the right to appeal a removal decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing within seven days of the removal notification and should include any supporting documentation or evidence.
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
You may cancel your registration up until 14 days prior to the course start date, and receive a full refund minus any credit card processing fees. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In cases of emergency or extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies, family emergencies), participants may be eligible for a partial refund regardless of the timing. Documentation may be required.
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.
