By Joan Tupponce

Sign me up. That was Brittany Boone’s response when she received an email gauging her interest in a new Virginia Commonwealth University certificate program that is helping professionalize the challenging field of youth development.

Boone, a recreation program specialist for the city of Richmond’s parks and recreation department, is among two dozen inaugural members of VCU’s Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management program. The cohort will soon graduate, and registration closes Aug. 7 for the next cohort that begins Aug. 21. This certificate is a non-credit credential managed by the VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with youth in various capacities — whether through recreation, workforce development or mental health services,” Boone said. “Working with youth is not always easy. It’s a delicate and important responsibility, but it’s one we’re naturally equipped for. With the right mindset, training and support, we can truly make a meaningful impact in their lives.”

The Richmond region faces a critical workforce development challenge in fields related to youth programs, education, administration and health services, said Vaughn Garland, Ph.D., youth education manager at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, part of VCU’s Division of Community Engagement.

“Professionals in these sectors often confront high levels of job stress, moral injury and burnout,” he said.

Standardizing the profession of youth development — a conversation that has been ongoing for about 15 years, Garland said – can help address those issues and reduce high levels of turnover.  

“This would help professionals find better outcomes in those youth spaces,” he said. 

In fall 2023 and into spring 2024, Garland solicited the expertise of community partners, program staff and regional experts in youth development to design the 80-hour, three-semester curriculum that is now the management program.

He also formed a partnership with VCU Continuing and Professional Education to develop the pathway for registration and credentialing of the certificate. CPE works closely with the Division of Community Engagement to ensure the program addresses local issues and aligns with VCU’s educational mission.

“The certificate program strengthens VCU’s reputation as a leader in lifelong learning and demonstrates our dedication to addressing critical community needs by empowering professionals with the tools to make a meaningful impact,” said Shelly Schuetz, program manager and school liaison for CPE.

Garland emphasized the program’s value in bringing together youth development professionals.

“They bring their own knowledge and experience into that space,” he said. “The certificate strengthens connections between trained professionals and the community while fostering meaningful, long-term careers in this vital field.”

The program will enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, according to the organization’s chief impact officer, Jeanine Turner.

“By investing in training opportunities such as this, we believe our staff are more likely to stay engaged and committed to their roles, contributing to a more stable and effective team – which in turn strengthens our organization’s ability to attract funding, partnerships and new members,” she said.

The VCU program could particularly help underserved areas where youth face significant barriers to success.

“There is a growing demand for professionals who are adept at addressing complex issues such as trauma, systemic inequities and workforce development,” Turner said. “By building a pipeline of skilled youth development leaders, programs like this directly contribute to stronger communities, reduced disparities and brighter futures for young people.”