EDUCATING YMCA LEADERS SINCE 1885

Advance your YMCA career with a Springfield College degree.

YMCA School of Professional and Continuing Studies student speaking in class

Did you know about our shared history?

Springfield College and the YMCA’s shared history dates back to 1885 when Springfield College was founded as the School of Christian Workers for training YMCA leaders.

Statue of Founder James Naismith

National Hall of Fame

The National YMCA Hall of Fame, a museum preserving the rich history and legacy of the Y, is located on the Springfield College campus in Springfield, Mass.

YMCA Glass Pane

For YMCA Leaders

The YMCA of the USA has designated Springfield College as a premier institution of higher education for YMCA leaders.

School of Professional and Continuing Studies YMCA students

YMCA professional studies minor

A YMCA professional studies minor is available to residential students at the main college campus in Massachusetts to in prepare students for YMCA careers.

YMCA students in classroom
There are a number of reasons to consider our programs as a YMCA employee:

  • Receive up to a $5,000 YMCA Partner Grant for any bachelor’s or master’s degree at any regional or online campus. 

  • Receive up to a $10,000 YMCA Partner Grant for any bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) degree at the main campus.

  • Earn your degree quickly—saving you time and money.

  • Choose the degree focused on impacting lives and communities.

  • Earn as many as 30 undergraduate credits from your YMCA training and work/life experience at a regional or online campus.

Inquire about Regional and Online Undergraduate Programs Inquire about Graduate Programs Download Grant Application

YMCA Partner Grant

YMCA employees enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs at Springfield College are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant. This grant has been established by Springfield College to support YMCA employees being educated for leadership in service to others. Students must provide employment information to confirm their eligibility. 

Apply Grad Apply Regional and Online Undergrad

You've earned it. Take the credit.

Use your YMCA Leadership Certification credits to complete your bachelor’s degree.

YMCA Leadership Certifications

 YMCA Course Title Available Undergraduate Credits*

Team Leader

   6
 

Introduction to Fiscal Management

  
  Introduction to Leading Others  
Multi-team or Branch Leader (Three tracks)   10-15
Track One: General Track   (10)
  Leading and Coaching Others  
  Annual Campaign Components  
  Advanced Fiscal Management  
Track Two: New Branch Executive Institute   (11)
  New Branch Executive Initiative  
  Annual Campaign Components  
Track Three: Executive Preparatory Institute   (15)
  Executive Preparatory Institute  
  Annual Campaign Components  
  Advanced Fiscal Management  
Organizational Leader   Up to 9
  Leading Change 6
  Organizational Leader Capstone 3

 

* Credits that Springfield College will apply to your Bachelor of Science in Human Services through prior learning process.

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