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Springfield College YMCA Professional Studies Program Frequently Asked Questions
What is the YMCA Professional Studies Program?
The YCC Program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for careers in the YMCA with an integrated approach to the following:
- Academic preparation with a YMCA professional studies minor
- Leadership and Professional Development
- Career development
- Internships and summer employment
Why is the Springfield College YMCA Professional Studies Program unique?
Founded in 1885, Springfield College was established to educate YMCA professionals, and we carry great pride in continuing that tradition today through the YCC Program. Over the years, hundreds of YMCA professionals have attended Springfield College. Today, the partnership between the YMCA and Springfield is stronger than ever.What are the benefits of YMCA professional studies minor?
The YMCA professional studies minor is essentially a nonprofit business management concentration with a focus on the YMCA. Undergraduate students enrolled in the YMCA professional studies minor qualify for YMCA Senior Director Certification upon completion of the following:- Successfully meeting academic requirements of the YMCA professional studies minor (20 semester hours)
- YMCA Principles and Practices - available through YMCA of the USA
- One year of full-time work at a YMCA
- Letter of recommendation from a YMCA executive director
What does the YMCA internship entail?
The competencies required for the successful entry of a YMCA Professional Studies student into the professional world are varied and extensive, but not necessarily unique to the Y. Entry-level candidates typically specialize in one particular aspect of YMCA operations and have broad management skills.
The YMCA Internship experience allows students to explore their specialty area in depth, apply academic theory to the professional world, and engage in a leadership rotation by seeing a variety of operational areas.
Typically completed in the summer after junior year, internship site placements are driven by students’ learning objectives and their desire to expand their understanding of the breadth and depth of the YMCA. Students have completed internships across the United States and abroad. With the YMCA located in over 122 countries around the world, the opportunities are vast.
What are the financial assistance/scholarship opportunities for students who enroll in YMCA Professional Studies program?
More than seventy-five percent of Springfield College undergraduate students are eligible for financial assistance in the form of need-based grants, loans, or campus employment. Here are a few opportunities for students to consider:- Financial aid for YCC students: Students enrolled in the YCC program and who are eligible for financial aid, may receive ‘YMCA designated funds’ in their financial aid packages, not accessible to non-YMCA students. These funds are disbursed by the Financial Aid Office.
- Matching Scholarship Fund: The ‘hometown’ YMCA provides tuition support that is matched dollar for dollar by Springfield College for any amount up to $5,000. For more details, please see the YMCA Relations page on our Web site, www.spfldcol.edu
- Scholarship opportunities for professional YMCA conferences: The Office of YMCA Relations provides financial support and facilitates scholarship opportunities for student involvement at major regional and national YMCA events, such as the Association of YMCA Professionals Conference (AYP), YMCA Program EXPO and Coalition of Campus YMCAs (CCY) Conference
- On-campus jobs: The Office of Financial Aid coordinates part-time, on-campus job opportunities. A wide variety of positions are available in departments throughout the campus. Available positions are posted by the Career Center. The student is responsible for securing employment through Financial Aid
- Off-campus jobs: The YMCA of Greater Springfield is an additional outlet for students seeking employment opportunities. A full posting of the current vacancies can be found on their Web site, www.springfieldy.org
- Handy Prize: A $1,000 award given annually to a student who demonstrates a deep commitment to the YMCA programs at Springfield College through active engagement and a strong academic record
- Oscar Elwell Scholarship: A $1,500 scholarship awarded annually to a student(s) dedicated to a career in the YMCA and proven leadership within a YMCA
Deadlines (for more detailed information, contact the Admissions Office directly)
- December 1 – Application deadline for early decision. Last day on which applications are accepted for students enrolling in January
- April 1 – Application deadline for first-year candidates for fall enrollment (for most majors, see below)
- May 1 - $200 nonrefundable deposit due for fall enrollment
- August 1 – Last day on which transfer applications are accepted for fall enrollment
*Please note: Application deadlines for Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant and Occupational Therapy vary from dates listed above. Please refer to Springfield College Web site for specific application dates.
College Entrance Exam Dates (results to be sent directly to Springfield College)
- October 4, 2008
- November 1, 2008
- December 6, 2008
- January 24, 2009
For more details on admissions, please see the Admissions page on our Web site, www.spfldcol.edu. You may also call the Office of Admissions directly at 413.748.3136.
