Health & Human Services

Youth Studies Consortium

Youth Studies is an emerging multidisciplinary field that integrates theory, research, public policy, and practice. It spans academic disciplines like psychology, sociology, social work, education, human services and media, just to name a few. Youth workers with the background and skills needed to foster a positive youth development approach will be best equipped to meet emerging workforce demands. Millions of young people, especially disconnected youth, participate each year in out-of-school time programs through public and private agencies. The Youth Studies Consortium serves as a clearinghouse to increase capacity for Youth Studies at CUNY through the development of new courses, certificate and degree programs; web resources; counseling services for students; and faculty research opportunities in this emerging multidisciplinary field.

DYCD Scholars Program - APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE!

Since 2006 the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) has partnered with CUNY through a variety of initiatives to build the capacity of youth-serving agencies by investing in the higher education of their staff. The DYCD Scholars program fosters a community of practice by bringing together and supporting a cohort of CUNY students who are also leaders in the youth field. Nine new DYCD Scholars were selected in spring 2013, and six were accepted in fall 2013. Applications are now available for spring 2014 <pdf>.

Scholars and eligible youth workers may wish to take advantage of training offered by DYCD Capacity Building <pdf>.

Graduate Coursework in Youth Studies

Through a special funding opportunity for spring 2013 semester from the Office of the University Dean for Health and Human Services, CUNY's School of Professional Studies is offering a full tuition and fees scholarship to eligible youth workers in New York City who are accepted to take two graduate courses (6 credits). A cohort of 14 scholarship students began coursework in January 2013.

Youth Studies Coursework at CUNY

Prospective students who are interested in entering a program in Youth Studies at CUNY can explore coursework at various levels across the University. Examples include:

Community Colleges

• Certificate in Youth Studies at Hostos Community College through the Education Department

Senior Colleges

• Major in Youth Studies at Lehman College through the Adult Degree Program

• Minor in Youth Services at Lehman College through the Dept. of Health Sciences

• Major in Youth Studies through the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies

• Major in Children and Youth Studies at Brooklyn College

• Certificate Program for Child and Youth Workers at York College

Professional Schools

• Graduate Certificate in Youth Studies at the School for Professional Studies

Additional programs in Youth Studies can be found using CUNY’s search engine TIPPS.