Knowledge + Skills + Confidence = Competence

To excel in youth work, competence is key. You need more than knowledge; you need the skills and confidence to apply it. That’s where Supplemental Micro Courses (SMCs) come in.

SMCs are concise, focused courses designed to help you build on the foundational knowledge gained in The Art & Science of Youth Work and People-Centered Leadership certificate courses. While the certificate courses establish your foundation, SMCs take you to the next level by focusing on practical skill building.

Each year, you’ll have access to 24 new SMCs. We'll release two per month. One supporting The Art & Science of Youth Work and one supporting People-Centered Leadership. SMCs are available exclusively to Full Access Members. Boost your team's professional development with skill-building SMCs and become a member today.

Become A Full Access Member

Youth Work SMCs - a new course added each month

Setting Boundaries That Support Growth

Develop skill in setting clear, consistent, and supportive boundaries that build trust and accountability.

Boundaries are often seen as control or punishment. But used properly, they are a tool for helping young people grow, build trust, and develop accountability. In this micro course, you will develop skill in setting clear, consistent, and supportive boundaries that build trust and accountability.

Recognizing and Responding to At-Risk Behaviors

Develop the skill of recognizing at-risk behaviors and responding appropriately.

As a youth worker, your ability to recognize and respond to at-risk behaviors is essential. Young people often face challenges that may put their health, safety, or future at risk. By taking this course, you will develop the skill of recognizing at-risk behaviors and knowing how to respond appropriately to ensure a young person’s safety.

YOU Are Youth Work

Develop your trust-building skills with young people.

Youth work is more than a job—it’s a calling that places you at the heart of transforming young lives. In this micro course, you’ll explore the power of trust, the importance of leaning into your unique story, and the commitment to personal growth that fuels your professional impact.

Leadership SMCs - a new course added each month

Recognizing and Interrupting Implicit Bias in Your Team

Develop skill in recognizing and interrupting implicit bias in your team to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

Implicit bias can shape team dynamics and decision making in ways that overlook valuable skills and contributions. As a people-centered leader, you set the tone for creating an inclusive culture.

Adapting to Different Communication Preferences

Develop skill in identifying different communication preferences and tailoring how you respond to meet the needs of each style.

Effective leadership requires tailored communication. In this micro course, you’ll explore four common communication styles, learn how to recognize them in your team members, and practice tailoring your communication to build trust, clarity, and engagement.

Leading the Way Through Change

Develop the skill of introducing change to your team.

In the dynamic world of youth work, change is constant. This leadership micro course will help you effectively guide your team through transitions with confidence and empathy. You’ll learn key models to understand and effectively manage change.

Providing Constructive Feedback

Develop the Skill of Providing Constructive Feedback to Empower Others

As a youth work leader, you have a unique opportunity to shape the growth and success of each person on your team. One of the most powerful tools you have is feedback. Providing feedback that is thoughtful, clear, and actionable is one of the best ways to empower your team and build a supportive, accountable culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Foundational knowledge in youth work is your key to building trust and meaningful relationships with the young people you support. It helps you understand the best ways to connect, especially with those who may find it hard to trust due to past experiences. By investing in professional development for youth workers, you’ll gain the tools to create authentic connections and foster a safe, supportive environment. High-quality training for working with youth equips you with proven strategies to earn trust and build relationships that make a lasting impact. With accessible options like online training for youth workers, you can grow your skills and confidence, ensuring every young person you work with feels valued and understood.

A certificate in youth work is better because it provides a structured, intentional focus on your role as a youth worker. Unlike random trainings, The Art & Science of Youth Work certificate course is designed around a clear framework of eight core competencies that define excellence in youth work. These competencies were developed with input from our members to ensure they meet the real-world needs of youth-serving agencies and individual youth workers.

A youth worker certificate online allows you to learn at your own pace, making it both accessible and flexible. It focuses on helping you build the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to gain competency as a youth work professional. Whether you’re an individual looking to advance your career or an agency wanting to invest in your team’s skill development, a youth work certificate is an invaluable tool for personal growth, professional development, and improving outcomes for the young people you serve.

Supplemental Micro Courses (SMCs) help with skill development by providing actionable steps for you to follow and practice. Each course is designed with a single objective—one specific thing to learn about and work on. This laser focus allows you to target the areas that will most improve your work as a youth work leader or youth worker.

With online training for youth workers, our micro courses make skill building accessible and flexible. They are a powerful form of professional development training for youth workers, helping you create meaningful changes to be more effective in your daily work. By sharpening your skills, you can have a greater effect on your Just Cause and the young people you care so deeply about. These courses are essential for anyone committed to making a lasting impact in youth work.