Community Leadership Development is an exciting two-year diploma program that is designed to develop leadership competencies for working effectively with individuals, groups and organizations within communities to reach targeted goals. Students engage in a process of learning that has been designed to develop individual leadership capacity while also exploring and researching the social and economic situation of a community. Areas of skill development include communication skills, leadership development and problem-solving with a goal of becoming an agent for change and empowerment. Recent and relevant certifications are built into the program so that graduates are employment ready and set apart for immediate entry-level community leadership development work.
Community leadership development involves working with community agencies, non-profit organizations, and both the public and private sectors, along with the people they represent. Effectiveness in community leadership requires specific core competencies such as communication and listening skills, public relations and marketing, cultural intelligence, financial and project management, board governance and ongoing personal and professional development. Students will explore different leadership styles, best practices and models used when coordinating service delivery, managing projects, and evaluating services while responding to a variety of community needs, including working with diverse populations.
The focus of the program includes communications, psychology, sociology, human relations, leadership development, community development and social research, while features may include topics such as family studies, working with an aging population, child and youth justice, disability studies, mental health and addictions.
Fundamental to the program is engaging students during experiential learning opportunities. Along with on-going group activities and community initiatives, students will also participate in two field placements working on real-world activities and projects with an employer and a field placement supervisor for the purpose of becoming immersed in community-based initiatives. A requirement leading up to the field placement experience includes a current Certificate of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check. This is also required for volunteer opportunities within the program and by the field placement employers.
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Work effectively and professionally with communities for the purpose of addressing current needs and issues (e.g. working with diverse populations, child and youth care, seniors and age-friendly communities, immigration, disabilities and inclusion, mental health and well-being, violence, addictions).
- Demonstrate leadership competencies with innovative approaches to problem-solving, decision-making and managing projects and/or community programs/services.
- Work effectively with individuals, families, groups and organizations, by having a foundational knowledge of the stages of human development and recognizing the value of human and cultural diversity.
- Participate during a non-profit organization’s strategic planning, board governance, volunteer recruitment and advocacy.
- Utilize social media and technology for professional purposes, particularly with non-profit community-based organizations and their networking/stakeholder engagement activities.
- Research, organize, facilitate and manage community projects and initiatives.
- Demonstrate a capacity to act as change agents in an effort to amend conditions within communities.
- Communicate with proficiency, clarity, accuracy and confidence among groups and stakeholders.
- Write professional proposals, complete grant applications and fundraise for the purpose of securing funds and sustaining existing initiatives and projects.
- Demonstrate by example the importance of self-care and healthy living while also exploring proactive measures towards mental health, well-being and healthy aging by lifelong learning and collaboration with others.
- Cultivate community partnerships, build relationships and raise awareness of common issues and goals among partners and stakeholders (e.g. non-profit organizations, government agencies and the private sector).
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in nine level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are at least 19 years of age at the time of application and have been out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Certificate of Conduct
A Certificate of Conduct, including a vulnerable sector category, will be required. This Certificate can be obtained from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and must be dated no more than three months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the program. Please note that this documentation is required in order to be accepted into the program.
PLEASE NOTE
- Factors contributing to student success within this program include the following: good writing skills, volunteer work and the enjoyment of helping others.
- Additional documentation may be required by organizations for field placements and volunteer activities.
- Students should be aware that additional fees apply for certifications.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Working within the human services field offers profoundly rewarding opportunities and work experiences. Graduates of the Community Leadership Development Diploma program may find employment with diverse populations among a myriad of organizations and agencies within community, private and public sectors.
This may include, but is not limited to, employment in the following areas:
Addiction Services
Child and Youth Care
Community Education
Disability Services
Family Services
Mental Health & Wellness
Residential Support
Senior Wellness
Violence Prevention
Youth Justice