Nonprofit Career Readiness and Advancement Certificate
About the Program
The Certificate in Nonprofit Career Readiness and Advancement is a 14-credit workforce training program designed to provide current and potential nonprofit employees very practical and relevant skills that reflect the sector’s present and future needs and expectations as well as access to relevant professional opportunities.
Who We Are
Caravanserai Project (CP) and Inland Empire Community Collaborative (IECC) are leading mission-driven organizations with an in-depth understanding of the nonprofit workforce. Together, IECC, CP, and UC Riverside- Extension work to prioritize expansion in the sector with a focus on increasing organizational diversity in the Inland Empire.
Inland Empire Community Collaborative (IECC)
The Inland Empire Community Collaborative (IECC) is the result of nine years of 87 non-profit agencies working together to strengthen our organizations and improve outcomes for individuals and communities throughout San Bernardino County.
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Caravanserai Project (CP)
Caravanserai Project is a hybrid social impact venture striving to identify, mobilize and energize mission-driven leaders, whether they are explorers or advanced. We support their entrepreneurial journeys of building sustainable, relevant, future-ready and system-change ventures, for profit and nonprofit alike.
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University of California, Riverside Extension
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) Extension is the professional studies branch of the University of California, Riverside serving the Inland Empire community and providing educational opportunities to people of all ages.
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Who is this program for?
The Nonprofit Career Readiness Program is for current or recent graduates interested in the nonprofit sector, nonprofit professionals that want to further develop their expertise Individuals exploring a professional transition to the nonprofit sector, and nonprofit organizations in need for highly trained personnel.
What are the outcomes?
As a graduate of the Nonprofit Career Readiness Program, you will:
- Be developed as a highly skilled and trained professional that will bring value to the nonprofit organizations you will be part of.
- Be connected with professional opportunities and interact with potential employers.
- Change the narrative around workforce in the nonprofit sector.
- Learn to prioritize innovation, future-thinking approaches, equity, diversity, inclusion and practicality in your approach.
- Be empowered with the needed relevant and practical skills and in-depth understanding of the field.
How does it work?
The Program consists of a total of 140 hours/14 credits, the number of credits required for graduation. The program is to be completed in 12 months thus accommodating the working participants’ schedules. The length of each class varies from 10 hours (1 unit) to 30 hours (3 units) depending on the subject. A number of classes will be offered in Spanish as well, if demand is sufficient.
Courses and Electives
Those opting for a particular track are required to take three electives from the track of their choice (a total of 30 hours/3 credits) and one elective from each of the other two tracks. A total of 5 units / 50 hours of electives is required for graduation (on top of the 3 mandatory classes – 9 units).
During a quarter, besides a mandatory class, three electives – one from each class – will be offered for enrollment. The 4th quarter will only offer a set of electives.
As part of the program, the students will be required to attend an ongoing Strategic Career Planning seminar (no credits provided) that will focus on career-focused topics from identifying potential jobs or apprenticeship opportunities, preparing CVs, resumes, job applications and interviews to connecting with specific nonprofits to discuss employment and/or apprenticeship availability.
The participants will have access as well to an exclusive data base of job opportunities in the nonprofit sector developed and curated by a career specialist assigned to the program.
List of Required Courses (3 units/30hours)
- Nonprofit Management, Leadership and Organizational Behavior
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Nonprofits
- Strategic Financing for Nonprofits
Tracks and Specializations
Track 1: Nonprofit Management, Leadership, and Organizational Behavior
- Nonprofit Leadership: Ethics, Power and Motivation
- Nonprofit Governance and Volunteer Leadership
- Program Management and Supervisory Skills for Nonprofits
- Public Speaking for Nonprofit Professionals
- Role and Use of Data for Mission-Driven Purposes
Track 2: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Nonprofits
- Nonprofit Advocacy: “Stand for Your Mission”
- Meeting Design and Facilitation with Equity in Mind
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Lifting all Voices in an Organization
Track 3: Strategic Financing for Nonprofits
- Effective Nonprofit Fundraising Strategies
- Nonprofit Entrepreneurship and Organizational Survival and Sustainability
- Donor Relations and Fundraising
The participants have the option to specialize in one of the three relevant focus areas (tracks) or choose a general approach. Regardless of their decision, each participant is required to attend the three mandatory/core classes (a total of 90 hours / 9 credits) that will provide an overall yet comprehensive understanding of the nonprofit sector.
Those choosing a general approach and not joining a particular track have the option of attending the electives best suited to their professional plans. A total of 5 units / 50 hours of electives is required for graduation (on top of the 3 mandatory classes – 9 units).
FAQ
How do I apply?
The following information is required to completely and accurately fill out the application for admission:
- General Information
- Contact Information
- Emergency Contact Information
- Demographic Information
- Short Response Questions
- Why do you want to apply to this program? (250-500 Words)
- What is your nonprofit experience? If none, what kind of work/volunteer experience do you have?
- Is there anything you would like to add? (250 words max)
- Occupation and Financial Information
In addition to these questions, one to two letters of support are required to complete your application. An endorsing letter may come from a current or former employer or teacher. Finally, you will be required to upload a PDF copy of your CV/Resume. Please follow the link below to apply!
How much does the program cost?
The cost of the program is $4,900 for the full year program. Students who choose to enroll in individual courses, instead of the full program, may do at a rate of $350 per unit.
* Fees and refund policies are handled by Caravanserai and IECC, not by the UCR Extension office.
Is there financial aid available?
Some students may be eligible for education tuition reimbursement from their employer. Student who apply will also automatically be applied to available scholarships. Scholarships and reimbursements are not guaranteed. Each prospective student should inquire with their employer about education financing programs. Additional information regarding financial help and resources, including student loans, can be found on the UCR Extension website.
When do courses begin?
Courses will begin the Winter Quarter 2022
How long is each term?
Each term is based on the University of California’s quarter system. This means each quarter is approximately 11 weeks.
Can I enroll in individual courses or tracks?
Students can enroll in individual courses or a track offered through our program. Students who choose to do so will have each course reflected on their UCR Extension Transcript.
Contact Us
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Feel free to contact us by filling out the form below.
