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Youth in Development Classes and Experiences

Empower the next generation of changemakers. Volunteers work with youth in communities on projects that promote engagement and active citizenship, including gender awareness, employability, health and HIV/AIDS education, environmental awareness, sporting programs, and info technology.

If you choose Youth in Development, take three courses from one of the following areas:

  • Social Work
  • Developmental Psychology

Recommended courses:

  • SOC101- How Society Really Works: An Introduction to Sociology
  • PSYCH309- Child Development
  • PSYCH310- Adolescent and Adult Development
  • SOC340- Sociology of the Family
  • PSYCH331- The Psychology of Heath

And build 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as:

Boise State Opportunities

  • Consider joining a  relevant student club or chapter that participates in community service/outreach relevant to the Youth in Development sector
  • Find a Service-Learning course such as SOC 340 Sociology of the Family
  • Register for LEAD 225 and participate in an Alternative Spring Break
  • Inquire with your department about any research or internship opportunities
  • Volunteer or intern while studying abroad, students have volunteered in orphanages, interned with an organization providing work training to low income youth and many other experiences, learn more by visiting Global Learning on campus.

Community Opportunities

  • Consider employment at a youth serving organization such as a local YMCA
  • Search for a volunteer opportunity through Just Serve
  • Teaching or counseling in at-risk youth programs
  • Coach a youth sports team
  • Activities that involve planning, organizing, assessing community needs, counseling, and leadership, in areas such as education, youth development, health and HIV/AIDS, the environment, and/or business.