Youth & Social Innovation Major

What do you need to know in order to design and implement effective programming and policy for today's youth?

Faculty members in the Curry School of Education and Human Development have some answers. As an undergraduate student in the Youth & Social Innovation major, you'll engage in coursework that integrates theory and research on youth development, programming and policy with hands-on application through community service. You'll learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of existing social innovations for youth, and collaborate with a team to design new ones. In the process, you'll gain critical conceptual and practical skills in the development, implementation and evaluation of youth programs and policies.

Students will have ongoing opportunities in research labs and practicum placements to deepen their understanding of youth programming in and out of schools.

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“I am learning what it means to be a social innovator. It is something so special and rewarding about being in the class and gaining hands-on experience.”

– Shontell White, YSI major

Careers

Embark on a career doing meaningful work with or on behalf of youth. With its dual emphasis on rigorous academic preparation and innovative skill-building, this program prepares graduates for careers in both the private and nonprofit sectors. Students develop critical thinking skills to analyze social, cultural and educational challenges facing youth today. Students graduating from the program will be well prepared to provide leadership, management, research and evaluation services to youth-based and youth-serving organizations.

Courses

Are you a First Year interested in the YSI Major?
This spring semester, we strongly recommend that you take:

• A youth development course:
  • EDLF 3150 Introduction to Child Growth and Development
  • EDLF 3170 Introduction to Adolescence
• EDHS 1120 So You Want to Change the World: Foundations of Community Engagement

Are you a Second Year interested in the YSI Major?
This spring semester, we strongly recommend that you take:

•  Both youth development courses:
  • EDLF 3150 Introduction to Child Growth and Development
  • EDLF 3170 Introduction to Adolescence
•  EDLF 1200 Evaluating the Effectiveness of Social Innovation

And, if you still have room in your schedule, also consider:

• EDHS 1120 So You Want to Change the World: Foundations of Community Engagement
• EDHS 3055 Development and Prevention of Youth Violence
• EDHS 3100 Media Socialization, Racial Stereotypes and Black Adolescent Identity
• EDLF 3610 Immigrant Youth and Families
• EDLF 4610 Civil Rights Movement and Education