¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Advanced Certificate in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Schools is a graduate-level program that prepares professionals to lead and support equity-centered,
community-based approaches in schools. Graduates will gain the skills to identify
and coordinate critical support services—such as healthcare, mental health counseling,
food pantries, and after-school programs—that address non-academic barriers to student
learning. The fully online program offers flexible, career-focused advancement for
individuals with a bachelor’s degree.
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Overview and requirements
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ schools offer an innovative model for transforming education and improving
student outcomes. By bringing together schools, families, higher education, and community
partners, community schools coordinate academic, social, health, and civic supports
to help children and youth succeed both in and out of the classroom. This collaborative
approach allows schools to address local needs while leveraging community strengths.
With approximately 10,000 community schools nationwide, the movement is rapidly expanding
across the United States.
The advanced certificate in community schools is designed for professionals in social
work, education, human development, public policy, educational leadership, psychology,
and related fields who seek to advance equity-centered, community-based support for
students and families.
The curriculum covers topics such as educational policy, community school leadership, student wellness, family and community engagement, and school-based interventions. The program focuses on providing evidence-based responses to educational, social, and community challenges impacting students and schools.
Why earn an advanced certificate?
- Strengthen your impact. Develop advanced skills in community partnership building, family engagement, and whole-child strategies that create meaningful change for students, schools, and communities.
- Boost your career prospects. Gain a one-of-a-kind credential in a rapidly growing field. This specialized training can unlock new career opportunities, as education beyond a bachelor’s degree is often required or recommended for leadership roles.
- Broaden your professional network. Learn from the first ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Schools faculty in the nation while connecting with educators, practitioners, and leaders committed to educational equity and collaboration.
- Study when it fits your schedule. Complete fully online, asynchronous coursework designed for working professionals.
This advanced certificate prepares graduates for roles, including community schools
coordinator and director, family and community engagement specialist, student support
services coordinator, community partnership manager, and nonprofit program director.
It is also a valuable credential for district and nonprofit leaders who want to strengthen
their expertise in community school strategies and implement related initiatives within
their organizations.
Curriculum
The advanced certificate is a 15-credit program completed asynchronously online.
Application requirements
- Personal statement of 2-3 pages and 500-750 words expressing interest in the program
- Official transcripts for all college studies. Applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
- At least two letters of recommendation from superiors who can attest to your competence and potential to successfully complete graduate study
- Résumé, to include current employment, previous professional experience, volunteer work, and other relevant experiences
The online Advanced Certificate in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Schools is open to any student with a bachelor’s degree. It is a stand-alone, online certificate program. GREs are not required.
For more information about this program, contact:
