How it works
What students will do
Our students come from a variety of majors, including business, art/design, education and health, and they’re not necessarily planning a nonprofit career. But they’re curious. They want to understand how change happens, and they want to use their skills for good.
PSLN helps them do that through a three-phase journey:
1. Explore: Discover the nonprofit sector
Students begin with NLM 160: Voluntary Action and Community Leadership, a course that includes 30 hours of service with a local nonprofit and 10 hours of job shadowing. They reflect on what they’re learning, earn a digital badge in Nonprofit Systems Thinking, and receive a $500 scholarship in recognition of their time and effort.
2. Experience: Build their skills
In NLM 220: Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations, students pair a semester-long internship with classroom learning. They take on real responsibilities, contribute to your organization’s goals, and earn a second $500 scholarship and digital badge.
3. Action: Stay engaged
Students who complete both phases become eligible to pursue the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential. Even if they don’t choose a nonprofit job after graduation, they leave with a deeper understanding of the sector and a stronger connection to its future.