Inspiration

Helping Groups That Help Communities

The UO’s graduate certificate program in not-for-profit management combines course work, real world application, and community impact.

“Volunteering is a core value to the students in this program,” says program director Renee Irvin,an assistant professor in theDepartment of Planning, PublicPolicy, and Management (PPPM). “They are excited about public service. They are idealistic, yet practical and goal-oriented, and they are Oregon’s future leaders—although they may not recognize that yet.”

The innovative graduate-level program prepares students for work in the nonprofit sector. In another unusual twist, Irvin’s students learn about philanthropy by awarding a grant to an organization, thanks to a private gift that funds the grant. “I can’t help but be interested in philanthropy after being in her class,” says Cindy Ingram, a PPPM graduate student earning a nonprofit certificate. “She is so excited about economics and the current issues around giving to nonprofits. It’s contagious.”

The program began in the midst of a surge in the growth of nonprofits. “Beyond just helping students get their next job,” says Irvin, “we want
to set their course toward a career."