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Springfield College Office of YMCA Relations YMCA Professional Studies Benefits
The YMCA Professional Studies Program prepares students who are interested in pursuing a career in the YMCA and encompasses an integrated approach of including academics, co-curricular learning, career development, and hands-on employment/internship involvement with YMCAs. Students graduate with a full understanding of the mission-driven goals and purposes of a YMCA, along with the skills of negotiating the administrative and business complexities of running a nonprofit organization. YMCA Professional Studies students have a definite advantage over non-YMCA candidates when it comes to career choices, understanding and fitting into the YMCA culture, and having access to a faster career track. The following benefits apply to YMCA Professional Studies students who declare a YMCA minor, join the campus YMCA Club, and who qualify for financial aid based on need.
Financial
- Access to up to $5,000 per year from the YMCA Matching Scholarship Fund for a potential total of $10,000 annual scholarship (partnering scholarship with your sponsoring YMCA)
- A stronger college financial aid package available for those who qualify
- Limited annual travel stipend for students who live long distances from Springfield College as specified by the Admissions Office
- Free annual membership to the Association of YMCA Professionals (AYP), the professional organization for YMCA career employees. Students have access to all AYP trainings and conference opportunities
- Scholarship opportunities for attending local, regional, and national training events and conferences, as well as educational YMCA Office-sponsored trips
Academics
- Students are prepared for a career in the nonprofit world with a degree in the major of their choice and the YMCA professional studies minor
- YMCA module credit resulting in YMCA Professional Director Certification upon graduation
- YMCA Relations Office provides guidance, support, and direction through campus life, as well as access to the YMCA profession
Career Development
- YMCA job placement assistance and access to the national YMCA vacancy list
- 2,700 YMCAs nationwide from whom to consider for jobs
- YMCA internship opportunities for practical experience and networking opportunities in the U.S.
- Attendance at many of the regional and national YMCA and AYP conferences and training events
- Job training skills, interviewing skills, and resume development
- Exposure to national and international career opportunities and introduction to top YMCA leaders
Co-Curricular
- Involvement in the campus YMCA Club as a means of interacting and meeting other students with similar values and life goals
- Experiential opportunities teaching the importance of volunteering and serving society
- Leadership development opportunities through community service
- Travel opportunities across the U.S. through the campus YMCA Club
