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YMCA at Springfield College

The YMCA and Springfield College share a unique history, heritage, and partnership, which date back to the establishment of the College, then known as the School for Christian Workers in 1885. Springfield College was founded by David Allen Reed, a visionary minister who was deeply interested in the training and education of lay workers for churches and YMCAs. By 1890, supporters and donors to the school believed that the time had come for the rapidly expanding YMCA movement to have a school of their own. They sought to have the name and focus of the school changed to the International YMCA Training School, which eventually evolved into Springfield College as we know it today. Over the years, hundreds of YMCA professionals and volunteers have graduated from Springfield College to go on and influence their communities through the work of their local YMCAs.

Today the partnership between the YMCA of the USA and Springfield College is stronger than ever, with the establishment and signing of an Articulation Agreement between both organizations, formally naming Springfield College as a premier institution of higher education in support of the YMCA movement through the education of individuals entering and/or part of the YMCA movement across the world. This partnership is mutually embraced by both organizations, and is supported by the College’s commitment to its humanics philosophy, to educate the whole person – in spirit, mind, and body - for leadership in service to humanity.

A broad range of educational opportunities at the graduate and undergraduate levels are offered on the main campus of Springfield College. The college also provides educational opportunities for degree programs at eleven regional campuses around the country through its School of Human Services.

Springfield College offers a YMCA Professional Studies Program for YMCA career candidates to prepare students for positions in the YMCA. From camping, teen programs, childcare, fitness and aquatics; to youth work, community development, marketing, business, environmental education, arts and humanities, and many other areas, there are many positions in the YMCA that will allow you to make the most of your interests and abilities. Imagine getting to do something you enjoy every day, knowing that you’re also making a positive impact in the lives of others! This is what a career in the YMCA is all about. What’s not to love about a career as a YMCA professional?

Please contact us for more information and to schedule a tour if desired.

Springfield College
and the YMCA

Read how the past, present, and future of Springfield College and the YMCA are entwined in the October 2009 issue of Perspective, the Journal of the Association of YMCA Professionals.


Harry Rock, Director

• Phone: 413.748.3914
• E-mail: hrock@spfldcol.edu

Welcome to Springfield College! On behalf of our YMCA office staff, welcome to Springfield College! It is our desire and privilege to help support your time at Springfield College as part of the YMCA Professional Studies Program. Let us help open the doors of opportunity to the exciting and meaningful world of the YMCA. Read more.