Nonprofit professionals and volunteers alike can earn a certificate in nonprofit management beginning this semester through the University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
Although the school has offered courses in nonprofit management for the past two years, the nonprofit certification program is new this semester, according to SCPS Program Director Barbara Kessler.
To earn the certificate, students must take 35 hours of nonprofit-focused courses that are offered at SCPS, she said.
Because there are no required classes, students determine their curriculum based on individual needs, Kessler said.
"Our goal is for individuals to get the skill development they need," Kessler stated.
Most classes are workshop style and are completed in one to two sessions.
Kessler said the nonprofit community expressed interest in training for management and volunteers, which resulted in the creation of the certificate program.
Students include those who work or volunteer with nonprofit organizations as well as those who aspire to serve on nonprofit boards or become more involved in such organizations, instructor Alyson Ball said.
Kessler and Ball began developing the certificate program last year by looking at other certificate programs around the country.
Ball added that the number of nonprofit courses offered by SCPS will double as a result of the certificate program.
The certificate program emphasizes the importance of a mission statement, relationships and use of technology to contribute to the success of a nonprofit organization, according to Ball.
Charters Wilson, executive director of the Charlottesville Ronald McDonald House, started taking nonprofit courses from SCPS to learn more about topics she was not familiar with.
"The courses are well thought out and the instructors are knowledgeable," Wilson said, adding that she plans to complete the certificate program.
Wendy B. Brown, president of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, said she is excited about the new learning opportunities for nonprofit leaders from the certificate program.
"It bodes well for our entire community," Brown said.
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