YMCA Professional Studies Program


YMCA Professional Studies Program at Gardner-Webb University

Alumni

YMCA Professional Studies Program Graduates

Daniel White, YMCA of Hickory

Erik Smith, Cleveland County YMCA

Brandon Winecoff, Henderson County YMCA

Jennifer (Wilhite) Wilson, YMCA of Spartanburg

Greg Humphrey, Gardner-Webb University

Henry Hunter, Salvation Army

Emily (Peedin) Bishop, YMCA of Triange

Sam Woodrum, Communities in Schools

Loy Adkins, Gaston County YMCA

Program Overview

Gardner-Webb University is one of a select number of institutions currently offering a YMCA Professional Studies Program (YPSP). This unique academic program leads to a minor in YMCA Studies, through which students gain leadership skills and knowledge about nonprofit organizations, which will positively impact their career path. Should students decide to pursue a career in the YMCA, which is NOT a requirement, upon graduation they will have completed almost all of the required management training for YMCA professional to reach Senior Dirctor Certification. The Gardner-Webb YMCA Professional Studies Program has been in operation since 2003 and to date 89% of graduates from the program have become gainfully employed in the YMCA movement. It's active; it's fun; it's rewarding and it's valuable for a dynamic career!

The Gardner-Webb YMCA Professional Studies Program provides two venues for students interested in completing this certification while obtaining their bachelor's degree: the undergraduate Day Student program on the main campus in Boiling Spings, NC, where seated classes are held, and a degree completion program, Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners (GOAL), where the YMCA curriculum is offered on-line. For more information, see the Gardner-Webb links below.

Benefits of the YMCA Professional Studies Program (YPSP)

The benefits of taking part in the YPSP are immense. In addition to obtaining quality professional leadership skills, students will receive numerous opportunities for hands-on experience. The YPSP minor can be joined to any major field of study. The program offers students unique locations in which to complete academic internships through YMCAs around the country. Should students decide to pursue a career in the YMCA upon graduation, they will have completed almost all of the required management training for YMCA professionals to reach Senior Director Certification. In the professional YMCA setting, the YPSP minor will put students approximately 3 years ahead of other new professionals in terms of the knowledge, skills, and experience required for certification. Students also acquire a network of YMCA professional contacts and mentors through class projects/experiences. With leadership skills, hands-on practice, a network of professional contacts, and internship experiences, students enter the workplace as very marketable individuals with significant opportunities to develop a lucrative and rewarding career.

Graduate Testimonial

Henry Hunter is a 2006 graduate of Gardner-Webb University with a major in Business and a minor in YMCA Professional Studies. He has this to say about the service-learning aspect of the YMCA program, "Service learning allows you to get a grasp of what to expect from others, professionals and members, later in your career. You gain an understanding of planning, implementing, and evaluating programs. Plus, you are giving back to the community while you are getting a better sense of how to meet its needs.

Hunter has worked for the Cleveland County Family YMCA and the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, since graduation. He says of his career preparation through the service-learning, "books teach some things, but life teaches you differently. Life tosses you curve balls, sliders, and knuckle balls, but you still have to achieve you goals."

Gardner-Webb University
*Day Student Admissions* *GOAL Program*

Scholarships Available!
Once a student has been accepted to Gardner-Webb University and has committed to completing the YMCA Professional Studies Program, scholarships are available through the Student YMCA. Students may apply for a scholarship of $1,000 which is renewable annually, up to 4 years. For more information, contact Student YMCA Executive Director, Lisa Yerrick at 704-406-3832 or lyerrick@gardner-webb.edu .