Students interested in working with organizations like the American Red Cross and Boys and Girls Clubs might want to consider The University's nonprofit studies minor.
Since the Spring of 2000, students have been taking classes in the new minor program nonprofit studies/American humanics.
Martha K. Grammer, coordinator of nonprofit studies/American humanics, said the program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for careers with youth and human service agencies.
According to Grammer, the program is affiliated with American Humanics, a national organization that collaborates with college programs and nonprofit agencies in the recruitment, preparation and placement of students in nonprofit agency careers. The Mid-South American Humanics Collaborative is comprised of 27 local nonprofit organizations and three colleges including The U of M, LeMoyne-Owen College and Crichton College.
The University's minor program in nonprofit management consists of the completion of 24 semester hours of required courses and electives. The U of M also offers a major in nonprofit development and administration.
Students who complete this minor and specified co-curricular activities will be eligible for certification in Nonprofit Management and Leadership by American Humanics.
"With the certification, students can work with any nonprofit agency," Grammer said.
Students who enrolled in the program are required to do 300 hours of internship and volunteer work.
Julie Goebl, a graduate student in nonprofit public administration, said volunteering at local agencies exposes individuals with knowledge of jobs they would have never known about.
"You receive hands-on experience through volunteering," Goebl said.
Goebl is currently working as program assistant to the nonprofit studies/American humanics program.
Last year there more than 50,000 jobs available in the nonprofit industry, Grammer said.
"It's huge opportunity," Grammer said. "You have more growth potential in the nonprofit industry than private industry."
The interim dean of University College, Susanne B. Darnell, said she was excited by the nonprofit studies program.
"It's really unique how the nonprofit agencies stepped up and decided to be partners with the program," Darnell said. "It's important for students to know that the Nonprofit Studies program is open to all students."
