These programs include:

Family Development Training and Credentialing (FDC) - A major New York State initiative that provides frontline workers with the skills and competencies needed to work more effectively with families and individuals.

Family Development for Supervisors Series - A professional development-training program for supervisors and agency leaders.

National Afterschool Matters Practitioner Fellowship - A a new professional development opportunity for experienced Out-of-School Time (OST) practitioners working with older youth.

Experience COUNTS - A resource designed to help staff members at community-based organizations and non-profits organizations obtain college degrees through programs offering life experience credits.

Professional Development Initiatives:

Strong Directors, Skilled Staff:  A Guide to Using the Core Competencies for Youth Work Professionals and Supervisors – This guide will provide staff with an opportunity to reflect on their practices, support each other’s growth, and share information, strategies and best practices.
Strong Directors, Skilled Staff: A Guide to Using the Core Comptencies (in PDF )

Core Competencies for Youth Work Professionals and Core Competencies for Supervisors of Youth Work Professionals – Resources designed to raise the capacity of youth-serving organizations and staff to serve their participants more effectively. These documents provide practical guidelines that apply to staff at all levels with a focus on knowledge and skills that can be acquired; it is not about individual characteristics or attitudes.  These competencies are designed to be used as a tool to guide the professional development of the youth work professional and not as a barrier for entry into the field.
Full Core Competencies Document (in PDF )
Supervisor Core Competencies - full document (in PDF)

Download FDC Spring 2013 Scholarship Application (in PDF)
Download FDC for Supervisors Scholarship Application (in PDF)

Additional Information:

• Resources 
• NYSAN Guide to Afterschool Professional Development in New York State

Graduate Coursework in Youth Studies: Through a special funding opportunity from the Office of the University Dean for Health and Human Services for the spring 2013 semester only, CUNY's School of Professional Studies is offering a full tuition and fees scholarship to eligible youth work professionals in New York City who are accepted to take 6 credits of Graduate Coursework in Youth Studies.

This opportunity is open to eligible applicants who meet the criteria outlined in the application.  Please note: there are a limited number of scholarships available and the application/selection process is competitive.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution.  Additional details about the program, award and eligibility can be found in the application, due Monday, November 26, 2012: Application  

DYCD Scholars: The 2013 program provides a stipend, counseling, networking opportunities and more to youth work professionals  who meet the following criteria:

• Are currently enrolled at CUNY and employed by a DYCD- funded organization that provides youth services
• Take at least 3 credits at a CUNY campus
• Are within 30 credits of graduation

This opportunity is limited to staff at DYCD funded agencies who meet the criteria outlined in the application.  Please note: there are a limited number of slots available and the application/selection process is competitive.

Additional details about the program, award and eligibility are available on the application, due Friday, January 4, 2013: Application

Interested? Please direct all questions regarding both programs to: Ashleigh Thompson, Ph.D. Deputy to the University Dean for Health and Human Services, Deputy Director, JFK, Jr. Institute for Worker Education - phone: 646.344.7316/email:   Ashleigh.Thompson@mail.cuny.edu