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 development.

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

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.