Youth & Nonprofit Leadership

Combining a major, minor and/or certification in Youth & Nonprofit Leadership (YNL) with another major, minor or area can lead to important and exciting career opportunities and it can double career opportunities at graduation.

The YNL Program is designed to develop the next generation of nonprofit sector leaders, prepared to engage as highly effective and dedicated professionals committed to improving the quality of life for people around the world. The nonprofit sector is highly diverse, addressing issues and needs related to health services, education, social and legal services, civic and environmental advocacy, international relations and development, arts and culture, and youth and human services. Example organizations include the American Red Cross, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society, National Urban League, United Way, World Vision, YMCA, 4-H and a range of institutions in the healthcare, higher education, and faith-based commitments. According to the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, there are over 60,000 new positions open in this career field each year and it is growing faster than any other sector.

Through the Program students will obtain knowledge and skills in the areas of program development, financial resource development and management, marketing and public relations, legal and ethical decision making, volunteer and human resource management, as well as may other competencies needed to work in and lead nonprofit organizations The Program integrates teaching, research, and service to develop the skills, provide the experiences, and nurture the spirit and passion required of effective leadership.

With over 800 students enrolled in courses annually, the Program at Murray State is the largest Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA) program in the country. NLA is an affiliation of colleges and universities committed to "strengthening the social sector with a talented, prepared workforce". All graduates from the Program will be able to earn a National Certification in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Alliance and be recognized as a "Certified Nonprofit Professional" (CNP).

Additionally, the majority of classes in the Program involve a service-learning project and can help students earn the designation of Service Learning Scholar at graduation.

NLA/YNL students, faculty and staff have worked with campus and community leaders to initiate and develop the local United Way, West Kentucky Mentoring (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters), Service Learning Scholars program, the MSU Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement and the Health Matters for Students program. Additionally, they have worked with local leaders in generating over $1,970,000 in grants and fund-raising for campus and community needs. The program has received 10 national awards and 35 local awards for excellence in leadership education, service and research.