More than 90 percent of students at ASU's American humanics program found jobs upon graduation, making it one of the University's top programs, according to senior program officials.
According to the Fall 2001 Annual Alumni Survey, 88 percent of ASU graduates received job offers from their senior internships, and 95 percent of the program's graduates were placed in various nonprofit agencies.
The survey also reported that the program was rated the highest by alumni of all the 5 areas of study the school offers.
The American humanics program at ASU is a certificate program, which prepares students for leadership and management positions in the nonprofit human services and youth organizations. Students pursue a degree in recreation management with an emphasis in youth/human service agency administration, or they pursue another major at ASU and cross into the program for its certificate option.
American humanics Program director Cindy Theisman said graduates of the program know what they are getting into when they graduate and seek employment in the non-profit sector.
"They learn early on if this is something they want to do," she said. "This training and well-preparedness contributes to their success in the non-profit workplace."
Graduates make between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, according to the survey.
American humanics is the only national organization providing pre-employment preparation and certification for undergraduate students to work in the nonprofit sector, Theisman said. The program's mission is to prepare and certify future nonprofit professionals to work with America's families and youth.
Courtney Quinn, an AH senior, said students are prepared to lead organizations in humanitarian efforts, similar to the relief effort in New York for victims of the terrorist attacks.
"In wake of Sept. 11 attacks, a program like this one is so uplifting because we're being prepared to help enter into organizations that are currently helping people who have been affected by the attacks," she said.
Carolyn Beal, an AH junior, said the program's small size helps students to succeed and graduates to network. Only 25 colleges and universities nationwide have this program.
"Because the program is so small, you get a chance to personally know the instructors and professors," she said. "When you're involved in AH you're involved in a close-knit community, and this is an integral part of your success as a student."
"When someone has graduated you keep in contact with him or her, and they become part of the network that you've been working on building all along," she added.
American humanics was founded in 1980 by a partnership between ASU and the Phoenix Rotary 100, a community service nonprofit organization. It is the only academic program on campus founded by a community-based organization. The program certifies students at ASU to work with organizations that serve people and address problems within communities.
American humanics has partnerships with 15 national and local partner organizations that endorse and actively participate through local affiliates in Tempe. The program partners with agencies such as the American Red Cross, the Girl Scouts, YWCA, and the Valley's Big Brother and Big Sister program.
Reach Kimara Blackman at kblackm@imap1.asu.edu.
