Why Should I consider spending 10 months as part of "the Certificate Experience"?
For Whom Is this Certificate Program Intended?
When are the Certificate Participants selected?
How is the Certificate program funded?
What does "the Certificate Experience" focus on?
What is required to earn the Certificate?
Will I receive any mentoring or coaching?
How do I apply to be considered for the Certificate's class?
Who do I call if I have more questions?
- Personal Development
- Skill Acquisition
- New employment opportunities
- Increase income
- Career Change
- Promotion with current employer
- Suggested by employer
* as reported in Larson, R. Sam & Mark I. Wilson, Building Bridges Initiative Cluster Evaluation: Survey of Nonprofit Management Students
For Whom Is this Certificate Program Intended?
The Certificate Experience is designed for individuals already engaged in or aspiring to be volunteer and/ or professional leaders and managers within the Nonprofit Sector. It is a serious course of study requiring a strong commitment and investment of its participants.
In addition, "the Certificate Experience" will benefit:
- Local, state and other government employees seeking greater understanding of the nonprofit sector.
- Students interested in supplementing their current education.
When are the Certificate Participants selected?
Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis as the Selection Group receives applications and accepts qualified participants. Once the allowable number of participants is selected, the Selection Group is unable to review further applications. Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. It is projected that each Class will be completed no later than June 1 and all applicants should be notified of their status by June 15th of the year in which their Class begins (e.g., June 15, 2010 for Class of 2011, etc.).
How is the Certificate program funded?
The Certificate program is funded primarily by participants' tuition, in-kind donations from TANO and Austin Community College, and a number of entities that are generously providing scholarship assistance. These are noted on the Application.
What does "the Certificate Experience" focus on?
More effective nonprofit organizations led by knowledgeable and committed professional and volunteer leaders is our goal. Effective organizations are those that achieve success by:
- engaging stakeholders in planning,
- developing goals aligned with a vision,
- allocating resources in a manner consistent with its goals,
- using appropriate measures to determine success, and
- communicating widely about its methods and progress
- evaluating effectiveness based on goals
Many nonprofit practitioners and volunteer leaders come to their work through passion more than by way of an education that has taught them how to lead and manage effectively in order to manifest that passion. The sharing and transferring of competencies (i.e., knowledge, skills and experience) which form the backbone of "the Certificate Experience" will lead to and support changes in attitude, perception and behavior. This comprehensive professional development will build personal effectiveness and strengthen the organizations served by our graduates.
The Certificate Experience seeks to raise the bar on the practice of professional and volunteer leadership and management in Central Texas and other regions of the state. It will foster a Nonprofit Sector community of practice, developing a cadre of informed, motivated and effective nonprofit professional and volunteer practitioner leaders who will build their professional networks so as to support each other (throughout their careers) in the difficult work of strengthening societal resources and assets for assuring the community's quality of life.
Striking a balance between formal and informal approaches to volunteer, professional and organizational capacity building, (e.g., formal graduate study, undergraduate academic study, continuing professional education programs, online study, etc.), "
Graduates of "the Certificate Experience" receive:
- A Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Management granted by the Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations and the Center for Community-Based & Nonprofit Organizations at Austin Community College
- Continuing Education Units which may be used to meet other professional and/or accreditation requirements (the cost of which is included in the tuition).
- A professional library of useful resources (i.e., the course handouts)
- Public recognition of their participation in "the Certificate Experience" and seriousness in seeking professional development and advancement
- The opportunity to participate in a select group of individuals committed to promoting greater excellence within the Nonprofit Sector of Texas;
- The opportunity to network and develop a support group of trusted colleagues and mentors - as your nonprofit career evolves;
- Each participant gets an ACC identification number that allows access to all the resources available to ACC students, including library resources and internet access at ACC facilities
What is required to earn the Certificate?
Only those who complete the entire course of study as outlined above will receive the Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management.
Certificate sessions are on a Friday and Saturday once a month for 10 months, starting in late August and concluding with graduation in June. Each learning opportunity will be 7 hours long (from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm), with a 60-minute lunch break (not included as learning time). Sessions are held at the Highland Business Center of Austin Community College at 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, unless otherwise noted.
Will I receive any mentoring or coaching?
"The Certificate Experience" is all about mentoring and coaching and the development of long-term relationships. Session leaders as well as the Certificate co-chairs, as well as fellow participants will be available and open to such relationships.
Graduation occurs in June.
How do I apply to be considered for the Certificate's class?
Download and complete the Application at www.tano.org/cnlm or http://www.austincc.edu/npo/sectornews/index.php/certificate-in-nonprofit-leadership-and-management/
Who do I call if I have more questions?
E-mail or call the CNLM Coordinator, Barry Silverberg (barry@tano.org – 512-223-7076).