|
Higher Education
Historically, employees of youth-serving organizations have often
held degrees in social work, teaching, and human services. While
such educational backgrounds helped youth workers work effectively
and advance in the field, the need for knowledgeable, skilled practitioners
on the front lines of youth work has emerged as a critical issue.
Several programs are emerging to fill this need for certificate
programs, degree programs, and courses specific to youth work.
The
Work Force
Recent research has begun to dispel the myth that youth workers
are not interested and not involved in higher education. Higher
education programs are attracting the attention of youth workers
and many have attended college. An evaluation of the national BEST
Initiative found that among 433 youth workers surveyed, the highest
level of education completed was:
| Some
high school |
2% |
| High
school diploma |
11% |
| GED
|
4% |
| Some
college |
29% |
| College
degree |
39% |
| Graduate
school |
13% |
BEST
Strengthens Youth Worker Practice: An Evaluation of Building Exemplary
Systems for Training Youth Workers, National Training Institute
for Community Youth Work, 2002
Institutions of higher education are responding to the varying education
levels of youth workers by offering programs that are accessible
and useful to people with or without college degrees.
Community-based
training and higher education
The road to higher education for many youth workers starts with
community-based training provided by capacity-building organizations
and experienced practitioners. Comprehensive, competency-based training
can create an excellent foundation for pursuing higher education
because:
| • |
Such training provides opportunities for youth workers to examine
areas of interest and direct their own learning. |
| • |
Many
higher education programs provide course credit for completing
community-based training programs. |
Higher
education opportunities in the Boston area
The Medical Foundation's BEST Initiative has co-developed competencies
and curricula with local institutions of higher education, including
UMass-Boston’s College of Public and Community Service and
Springfield College/Boston Campus’ School of Human Services.
Degree and certificate programs include:
BEST’s
Youth Worker Training Certificate helps students earn credits/competencies
in these programs.
BEST
Initiative l Professional
Development l Youth Development
| Youth Work Community |
Portfolios | Job
Resources
© The Medical Foundation
Designed by Metropolis
Design, Inc.
|
