Youth, Family, and Community Sciences...We Value Inclusion and Diversity The Youth, Family, and Community Sciences program supports and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. As

Youth, Family, and Community SciencesALUMS IN FAMILY SCIENCE CAREERS

C O N T E N T S

INTRODUCTION

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

MASTER’S ALUMNI

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

CAREERS IN THE FIELD

CURRENT STUDENTS

MASTER’S DEGREES

GRADUATE CERTIFICATES

INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD EXPERIENCE

COURSE OFFERINGS

MEET OUR FACULTY

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INTRODUCTION Welcome to the NC State Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, Careers in Family Science booklet. The Youth, Family, and Community Sciences graduate program is a part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences. The students of our graduate program have helped to develop and grow our program over the years. Our graduate programs are unique in our applied approach to train our students to make a difference in the lives of youth and families. Our students come from many different backgrounds, have different career goals and bring a rich diversity of thought. This diversity is one of the hallmarks of our program.

Our graduates are changing their communities and

the world.

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Perhaps you’re wondering what types of careers our graduates pursue. Maybe you recognize one of our alum from our website or social media outlets and would like to know where their studies have taken them over the years. We know you will be inspired as you read about our graduates and how they are changing the lives of youth and families. Our alumni are working for and creating non-profi t organizations focused on human development. They are advocating for human rights and social justice, creating and providing exceptional resources like programs and trainings, to be used at childcare facilities, non-profi ts and for community development. These resources aim to support youth, intergenerational populations and families of all kinds. Our alumni are making an impact in their communities and touching the lives of youth and families.

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We Value Inclusion and DiversityThe Youth, Family, and Community Sciences

program supports and values diversity, equity,

and inclusion. As our Chancellor says,

I believe we can be an exemplarymodel of a community that embraces

diversity, inclusion, and freedom of speech, where we can disagree with

and still respect one another.

NC State University strives to build and

maintain an environment that supports and

rewards individuals on the basis of relevant

factors such as ability, merit, and performance.

Accordingly, NC State engages in equal

opportunity and affi rmative action efforts, and

prohibits discrimination, harassment, and

retaliation, as defi ned by this policy.

https://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-04-25-05/

About Our Graduate ProgramsThe Youth, Family, and Community Sciences

(YFCS) graduate programs at NC State

University offer graduate distance education

programs designed to prepare and strengthen

current and future professionals.

Our programs are:

• Student-focused

• 100% distance

• Flexible

• Designed for traditional and non-traditional students

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https://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-04-25-05/

YOUTH DEVELOPMENTPARENTING EDUCATION

FAMILY LIFE COACHINGCERTIFIED FAMILY LIFE EDUCATOR

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT ACADEMIA

GOVERNMENTNON-PROFIT/SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ADMINISTRATION AND LEADERSHIPRELATIONSHIP EDUCATION

CAREERS IN THE FIELD

Our students hold a variety of innovative positions in the workforce and many take

on challenging roles in their communities where various careers intersect. Some of

these career paths include, but are not limited to, the following:

Rasha El-Beshti, YFCS MR, 2014

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MASTERS ALUMNI

WORK EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD

Advocating for the rights of Latinos, working with

Latino youth and organizing community events that

embrace collaboration among other organizations,

community members and government leaders across

North Carolina are just a few of the responsibilities I

hold as a community organizer at El Pueblo. A non-

profi t organization located in Raleigh, NC, El Pueblo

is focused on building positive social change in the

Latino community.

With more than ten years of ESL teaching experience,

and through my work at El Pueblo, I am living

out my dreams and doing what I love: promoting

change within the Latino community, fostering and

supporting Latino youth and communities at large,

and advocating for the rights of Latinos through

community partnerships, leadership development,

and volunteerism.

Martha Illiana Santillan-Carrillo graduated from NC State University in 2015 with a Master’s degree in Family Life and Youth Development. She currently works as a

Community Organizer for the Raleigh, NC, nonprofi t, El Pueblo.

SANTILLAN-CARRILLO WAS

RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE

COLLEGE’S OUTSTANDING YOUNG

ALUMNI. SHE HAS PLANS TO

NOT ONLY RETURN TO TEACHING

PART-TIME, BUT ALSO TO RETURN

TO NC STATE FOR CONTINUED

EDUCATION. SHE HOPES TO ONE

DAY MANAGE HER OWN NON-

PROFIT ORGANIZATION FOCUSED

ON SUPPORTING FAMILIES,

COMMUNITIES, AND YOUTH.

M A R T H A I L L I A N A S A N T I L L A N - C A R R I L L O

Master of Science in Family Life and Youth Development

This story and other stories about many of the Agricultural and Human Sciences Alumni can be found at:

https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/cals-alumni- honored-at-annual-ceremony/

Santillan-Carrillo was recognized as a 2016 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Outstanding Young Alumni. For more on this story:

https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/alumna- promotes-change-through-work-at-el-pueblo/

CAREER FOCUS: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, NON-PROFIT

https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/cals-alumni-honored-at-annual-ceremony

https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/alumna-promotes-change-through-work-at-el-pueblo/

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Master of Science in Youth,Family, and Community Sciences

RELATIONSHIP & HISTORY WITH THE YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCES GRADUATE PROGRAM

I started with the College of Agricultural and

Life Sciences (CALS) spring semester of

2014. I graduated last May with a Master’s

of Science in Youth, Family, and Community

Sciences. I also have a graduate certifi cate

in Youth Development and Leadership.

I completed both programs online, via

distance education.

Rebekah Torres graduated from

the Youth, Family, and Community

Sciences graduate program in

2017. She currently works as the

Coordinator of Married Life for the

Catholic Diocese of Raleigh.

YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCES IMPACT ON YOUR CAREER, FAMILY AND OR SUCCESS

CALS at NC State University allowed me

to fi nd my calling and pursue a graduate

degree in a fi eld that I have come to love. The

professors encouraged me to try new things

and develop my ideas. Receiving information

on Family Life Education has led me to

pursue certifi cation—something I never even

knew was possible. This CALS program has

allowed me to apply what I learned in the

classroom to experiences in my work with

clients and even assisting colleagues with

information and referrals. It has also been

very applicable to my personal life with my

family members and my marriage. I now

have a desire to assist others with building

strong healthy marriages as a foundation for

families.

For more about Rebekah, visit the NC State University Online and Distance Education Website:

http://bit.ly/2AdVzbA

AS WITH ANY COLLEGE PROGRAM OR LIFE EXPERIENCE, YOU

GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT. I

AM GRATEFUL TO THE PROGRAM FOR LEADING

ME TO WHERE I AM TODAY AND PROVIDING ME WITH INFORMATION

AND MOTIVATION TO SEEK A CAREER USING

MY BEST TALENTS.

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AS WITH ANY COLLEGE PROGRAM OR LIFE EXPERIENCE, YOU

GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT. I

AM GRATEFUL TO THE PROGRAM FOR LEADING

ME TO WHERE I AM TODAY AND PROVIDING ME WITH INFORMATION

AND MOTIVATION TO SEEK A CAREER USING

MY BEST TALENTS.

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http://bit.ly/2AdVzbA


Learning took on a brand new meaning for me when I started the master’s program in Human Development and Family Studies through CALS in 2009. It was during this time that I had become interested in research. I was absolutely fascinated with the idea that I could actually help to facilitate positive life outcomes in my local community by applying research to practice.


My educational experiences with CALS spurred my interest in research, which in part infl uenced my decision to pursue my Ph.D. I admired the enthusiasm that the faculty of the program had for their work. I saw hard working individuals who cared immensely for the populations they were working with. I guess you can say that their enthusiasm for their work was contagious; it made learning fun and interesting for me. And it wasn’t until then that I had considered becoming a professor. As for the impact that CALS has had on my family, I learned the importance of family and work life balance through my studies, and this still infl uences me today. I also saw this represented fairly well by the faculty in their ability to manage successful careers while also enjoying their families.

Dr. Jamie D. Alexander

graduated from the

Youth, Family, and

Community Sciences

graduate program in

2009. She currently

works as an Assistant

Professor in the

Department of

Human Development

at State University of

New York-Oswego.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH CALS WAS AMAZING!

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WAS

SUPPORTIVE AND ENCOURAGING! I STILL

HAVE GREAT RELATIONSHIPS WITH

THE FACULTY.

Jamie D. Alexander PhD

Career Focus:

Academia

Master of Science in Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies

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For more on Jamie, visit:

https://online-distance. ncsu.edu/applying- research-to-practice- helping-families-and- communities/

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https://online-distance.ncsu.edu/applying-research-to-practice-helping-families-and-communities/

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Master of Science in Familyand Youth Development

PATH AFTER GRADUATION

After I earned my degree, I worked as a child

care administrator and a certifi ed teacher

for a local school district. I have recently

accepted a position as a family educator and

training specialist for a nonprofi t organization

in Winston Salem, NC.

Shonette graduated from NC

State University in 2011 with a

Master’s degree in Family Life and

Youth Development. She currently

works as a Family Educator and

Training Specialist for the nonprofi t

organization, Imprints Cares.

CURRENT JOB DUTIES

I provide parent education for families

with children ages zero to fi ve using a

curriculum called Parents as Teachers (PAT).

PAT is an evidenced-based curriculum that

supports parents with positive parent-

child interactions, development-centered

parenting, and family well-being. I conduct

home visits twice a month and provide

families with resources and referrals based

on their needs. I also assist parents with

behavior management strategies with

the hopes of reducing the occurrences

of child abuse and neglect. In addition, I

am responsible for training providers and

practitioners in the community on using

a strengths-based approach to work with

families.

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EARLY INFLUENCES

I have always desired to work with children

and families. It started when I worked as a

volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters during

my sophomore year of high school. From

that point on, I took courses and summer

intern positions working with young children.

Additionally, I was always curious about

developmental milestones and how internal

and external factors infl uence a child’s

wellbeing, so I pursued undergraduate

degrees in child development and family

relations and early childhood education. I

honestly chose this path because I wanted

to see families succeed, and I wanted to see

children have successful early starts. I enjoy

working with young children because they

are free spirits! I love their creative thinking,

and I adore seeing them interact with one

another. Simply put, I value being in their

presence.

FAVORITE PART OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Outside of becoming more knowledgeable

about the fi eld I love, the best part about

completing this program has been building

and maintaining positive relationships

with the professors. They provide you with

support while challenging you to step out of

your comfort zone. I completed the program

almost six years ago.

HOW GRADUATE STUDIES SHAPED CAREER

The college and my home department had

a positive impact on my career in a variety

of ways. For starters, the courses, which

focused on developmental theories and

family dynamics, prepared me to work with

diverse families. I also had an opportunity

to refl ect on my beliefs and current practices

as a result of our in-depth class discussions.

Finally, I was always aware of opportunities

for networking and professional development

as a result of my connection with the Youth,

Family, and Community Sciences program.

DREAM JOB

As I refl ect on my ultimate career goal, I

know that I will continue to work with young

children and families. I would like to continue

providing parent education, but I also have

an interest in teaching at the collegiate level.

REFLECTIONS ON NC STATE

I am proud to be an NC State alum, and I am

honored to be a part of a department that

does so much good for children, families, and

the community.

Story by Suzanne Stanard, CALS Communication:

https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/agpack-strong- passionate-about-helping-people/

MY PROFESSORS ARE STILL SOME OF THE FIRST PEOPLE I CONTACT WHEN I EXPERIENCE PROFESSIONAL OR PERSONAL GROWTH, AND THEY ARE THE

INDIVIDUALS I CONSULT WHEN I NEED PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE.

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https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/agpack-strong-passionate-about-helping-people/

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Relationship and History with the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Graduate ProgramI started as an MS graduate student in Family Life and Youth Development with a concentration in Administration.

Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Impact on your Career, Family and or Success My career path can be equally attributed to the graduate degree I earned and the professional relationships I built in my youth development work prior to graduate school. Currently, I’m the Washington DC Program Manager for Kids Included Together (www.KIT.org); we teach inclusive practices to child and youth development organizations. In my profession, I often get to use research, analytical, and evaluation skills I fi ne-tuned and developed throughout my graduate program. I appreciated the exposure I received during my courses to the vast diversity of child, youth, and family service programs I had no idea existed. What I also appreciate is the focus on measurable program outcomes and how core measurable program outcomes are to quality programming.

JEREMY CRISP GRADUATED FROM NC STATE UNIVERSITY IN 2015 WITH A MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN FAMILY LIFE AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. HE NOW WORKS AS THE PROGRAM MANAGER FOR KIDS INCLUDED TOGETHER (KIT) IN THE DC METRO AREA.

I was amazed at the depth of relationships

I could build with my cohorts and the faculty throughout my graduate school experience. It’s rare

to fi nd a team of invested problem solvers and know that you can count

on them to be in your corner. Still today, I will seek out advice and feedback from

faculty and have been pleased at being able to continue that professional

relationship.

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CAREER FOCUS: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

J E R E M Y C R I S P


Jeremy Crisp was recognized as a 2017 CALS Outstanding Young Alumni. For more on this story visit:

https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/cals-honors-extraordinary-alumni/

https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/cals-honors-extraordinary-alumni/

HOW GRADUATE STUDIES SHAPED CAREER

This program has really impacted my career. It’s allowed me to really be more fl exible with the youth because the culture of sports, especially competitive sports, I do this at a high level, and competitive sports really allows you to be really tough and gritty. This program has honestly allowed me to be more transparent in a sense and show more empathy to the young men and women’s feelings while training them. I really appreciate the route and direction I’m going because I see what I’m learning in class, I see it being impacted

directly on the court, and it’s a great feeling to see how transparent it is in such a short amount of time.


Currently, I train all over essentially. My focus is the Raleigh area but this summer depending on the clients, I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel. The professors here and the whole staff, the program, the faculty have just been tremendous in the knowledge and the way they allow us to receive the knowledge has been tremendous because it’s very hands-on, it’s very active, it’s very applicable. I learned the importance of family and work life balance through my studies, and this still infl uences me today. I also saw this represented fairly well by the faculty in their ability to manage successful careers while also enjoying their families.

Christian Gray graduated

from the Youth, Family,

and Community Sciences

graduate program in

May of 2017. He currently

works as a professional

basketball trainer

and trains locally and

nationally.

I REALLY WANTED TO TAKE

MY EDUCATION TO THE

NEXT LEVEL AND DEVELOP

A SKILL SET AND A TOOL SET

THAT WOULD ALLOW ME TO

CONTINUE TO DO WHAT I LOVE

TO DO: IMPACT AND DEVELOP

YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG

WOMEN OF TODAY’S WORLD.

Christian Gray

Career Focus:

Youth

Development

Master of Science in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences

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https://cals.ncsu.edu/

news/christian-gray-is-

agpackstrong/

https://yfcsonline.cals.ncsu.

edu/careers/

http://www.peace.edu/

news/prepareatpeace-alum-

christian-gray-training-nba-

athletes-mentoring-young-

leaders/

https://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=jTsE_OcJ3FI


watch?v=ldI8fMxy82M


watch?v=xp-xn5CIDTI

More on Christian Gray can be found at:

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https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/christian-gray-is-agpackstrong/

http://www.peace.edu/news/prepareatpeace-alum-christian-gray-training-nba-athletes-mentoring-young-leaders/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTsE_OcJ3FI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldI8fMxy82M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp-xn5CIDTI

https://yfcsonline.cals.ncsu.edu/careers/

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Relationship and History with the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Graduate Program

In 1999, I was hired to teach parenting in Brunswick County, NC. I worked out of

the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension offi ce. I looked to Dr. Karen DeBord;

Professor Emeritus Karen became my content expert from NC State.

My admiration for Karen and her work, along with my desire to be more effective

with the parents and families I worked with, led me to pursue a master’s degree.

In 2007, I became the fi rst person to receive a master’s degree in human

development and family studies, family life and parent education concentration,

from NC State and UNCG.

Today, I have my own business. I’m an independent parenting education and family

life consultant.

STEPHANIE JONES GRADUATED FROM THE YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCES GRADUATE PROGRAM IN 2007 WITH A MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN FAMILY LIFE AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. SHE CURRENTLY WORKS AS AN INDEPENDENT PARENTING EDUCATION AND FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANT FOR JUST FAMILIES.

CAREER FOCUS: PARENT EDUCATION

S T E P H A N I E J O N E S

Master of Science in Family Life and Youth DevelopmentWithout a doubt, CALS academic

programs and degrees can help you reach your personal and career goals. You might expect that

the greatest impacts will result from the

knowledge you gain; however, I’ve found

that the relationships with CALS faculty, staff, and students

helped me even more. In fact, they continue to help me, 10 years

after graduation! https://online-distance.ncsu.edu/career-goals-alumna-starts-family-education-consulting-business/

http://ncpen.org

To read the full story by Kristin Diane Stepneski visit:

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https://online-distance.ncsu.edu/career-goals-alumna-starts-family-education-consulting-business/

http://ncpen.org/

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In August of 2014, I began my Master’s

courses in the Youth, Family, and Community

Sciences program. I graduated in 2016 with

a 3.9 GPA and earned my certifi cation as a

Family Life Educator. My thesis was exploring

the impact of coaching in the middle school.

Karen Randle graduated from the

Youth, Family, and Community

Sciences graduate program in 2016

with a Master of Science Degree in

Family Life and Youth Development.

She currently works as a Certifi ed

Family Life Educator.


I have over 20 years of experience as an

educator. As part of the YFCS program, I

participated in an internship in which I could

also focus on my thesis research. In 2015,

I was invited back to the school to work

as a counseling intern. During this time, I

assisted student services and counselors

while implementing my coaching training

to help students and families. The results of

this research were very compelling and since

graduating in 2016, the principal has hired

me part-time to continue this much needed

support for students and families. This has

been the job I have always dreamed of and

hope to continue to use the data from my

work to bring this position into more Wake

County Public Schools.

https://www.ncfr.org

https://grad.ncsu.edu/news/2016/03/ research-supports-family-life-coaching/

THIS MASTER’S PROGRAM HAS BEEN A

FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE. THE YFCS PROFESSORS

WERE EXTREMELY SUPPORTIVE AND

HELPFUL IN ASSISTING ME IN MY THESIS GOALS

AND BEYOND. THEY BECAME MORE THAN

PROFESSORS.

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https://grad.ncsu.edu/news/2016/03/research-supports-family-life-coaching/

https://www.ncfr.org/

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I was an NC State Alumna and didn’t have

plans to earn my master’s degree. I changed

my mind after researching parent education

and NC State’s online Master of Science in

Youth, Family, and Community Sciences

program was the fi rst one that popped up.

This led me to enroll in a program through

NC State Online and Distance Education.

Working with other students and conducting

coaching sessions via telephone with my

classmates helped improve my overall

coaching skill set that I use daily in my career.

Liane Wertis-Watson graduated from

the Youth, Family, and Community

Sciences graduate program in 2013.

She currently works as the Director

at Renaissance Montessori School

of Cary.


I never felt that I missed out on anything

because of being a distance student. Fast

forward to 2017 where I am the director at

Renaissance Montessori School of Cary,

where I oversee the daily operations of

the school as well as staff development. I

can also step in and help in the classroom

when needed. My main goal is campus

beautifi cation and adding outdoor learning

spaces for the children as well as gardens.

To read the full story by Kristin Diane

Stepneski visit:

http://online-distance.ncsu.edu/alumna- knew-nc-state-online-masters-program- would-be-top-notch/

THERE WERE ONLY A

FEW SCHOOLS THAT

OFFERED THE PROGRAM

I WAS LOOKING FOR,

AND NC STATE WAS

ONE OF THOSE. ALSO,

NC STATE IS A HIGHLY

REGARDED SCHOOL,

WHICH GAVE ME

CONFIDENCE IN THE

STRENGTH OF

THE PROGRAM.

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https://online-distance.ncsu.edu/alumna-knew-nc-state-online-masters-program-would-be-top-notch/

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I remember struggling during a particular semester. I went to talk to my advisor about what was going on. We were able to work together, along with the department head and my other professors, to make a plan that would best fi t my needs at that time. I’m forever grateful personally, professionally, and academically. Without the compassion and support from my advisor and Family Life and Youth Development (FLYD), I do not think I would have graduated. The compassion and support taught me a very valuable lesson about myself and working in the challenging world of non-profi ts. I learned to be vulnerable and overcome challenges in not the most ideal conditions. Non-profi ts constantly struggle with fi nding the balance between heart and business.


I currently work for a high-functioning non-profi t, Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center. We are located in the Boston Harbor in Massachusetts. The knowledge gained in my degree program built a solid foundation for me to work on at Thompson Island. The degree program gave insight to the administrative responsibilities needed to run a non-profi t organization. It allowed me to engage in theoretical and philosophical discussions on leadership. I feel confi dent in sharing feedback on how our organization is doing to senior leadership. I am able to embrace challenges non-profi ts have by collaborating across departments to meet organizational and departmental goals.

Carina Surface

graduated from the

Youth, Family, and

Community Sciences

Academic program with

a Master of Science

Degree in Family Life

and Youth Development

in 2014. Carina currently

works as the Safety

and Challenge Course

Manager for Thompson

Island Outward Bound

Education Center.

MY CONFIDENCE

STEMS FROM MY

EXPERIENCE AT CALS.

I AM THANKFUL FOR THE

EXPERIENCES IN MY

DEGREE PROGRAM AND

INTERNSHIP BECAUSE IT

PROVIDED A PRODUCTIVE

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

FOR ME TO GAIN BASIC

COMPETENCIES NEEDED

TO BE SUCCESSFUL OUT

IN THE FIELD.

Carina Surface

Career Focus:

Administrat ive

and Leadership

Master of Science in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences

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Relationship and History with the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Graduate ProgramThe College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has helped me in creating a solid commitment to growth and development of every child and family. With the support and guidance of the faculty and staff, I am fully prepared for the fi eld in Youth Development and Community Sciences. Children and families are a passion of mine. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has helped me make a difference in the lives of many children, youth, and families.

Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Impact on your Career, Family and or Success While in the program, we completed a professional development plan of the short-term and long-term goals that we had for ourselves. One of my goals was to become a director or serve in a leadership role at a university level. And now here I am today, serving as the Child Development Laboratory Director on the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

JAWAN BURWELL GRADUATED FROM THE YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN 2016 WITH A MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN FAMILY LIFE AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. JAWAN CURRENTLY WORKS AS CHILD DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY DIRECTOR FOR NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY.

Any student that enters into the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is destined for success. The support given

is phenomenal!

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CAREER FOCUS: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

J A W A N B U R W E L L


(left) Jawan Burwell, (right) Dr. Harriett Edwards, Associate Professor


I hold an MS in Family Life & Youth Development from NC State with dual concentrations in Youth Development Leadership and Volunteer Management & Administration. Before starting my master’s program, I was involved in one of the inaugural groups of IDEX Fellows where I was a Strategic Consultant at a low-income private school in Hyderabad, India. Now, I am the Offi ce on Youth Coordinator for the City of Hopewell, Virginia.


The Hopewell Offi ce on Youth is a new department, so my job involves considerable research to understand the needs of youth in the city; how youth are currently involved in various programs, departments, boards and committees; how community members currently support youth; and ways to maximize that potential by establishing communication with youth, parents, service providers, and other stakeholders. My education has helped me to understand the intersection and impact of these challenges, how to investigate them and how to create partnerships to counteract these challenges.

Shanelle Ebanks

graduated from the

Youth, Family, and

Community Sciences

graduate program in

2016 with a Master

of Science Degree in

Family Life and Youth

Development. She

currently works as

Youth Coordinator

for the City of

Hopewell, Virginia.

MY ULTIMATE GOAL FOR OUR YOUTH IS

EMPOWERING THEM TO BE CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE AS THEY CONNECT TO THEIR

PURPOSE AND PASSION.

Shanelle Ebanks

Career Focus:

Youth

Development ,

Volunteer ism,

Gover nment

Master of Science in Master of Science in Family Life and Youth Development

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To read the full story, visit the YFCS blog at:

https://yfcsonline.cals.ncsu. edu/2017/06/directions-youth- family-and-community-sciences- yfcs-graduates/ 17

https://yfcsonline.cals.ncsu.edu/2017/06/directions-youth-family-and-community-sciences-yfcs-graduates/

Relationship and History with the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Graduate ProgramI was part of one of the fi rst groups to pass through the program back when it was very new. It was a transformative experience for me; learning alongside such a diverse group of people and having important conversations around things I’m passionate about – families, communities, parents, and children.

Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Impact on your Career, Family and or Success My classes and work experience during my time in the YFCS program taught me valuable lessons about the importance of thinking critically about societal structures and theoretical frameworks that directly affect children and families, but it also encouraged me to use that theoretical knowledge and research to work towards real-world, constructive solutions to better serve my community. Much of that experience has propelled me towards the work that I now do – helping parents reframe how they approach parenting in order to create a better and more connected experience for themselves and their children.

HANNAH KLINE GRADUATED FROM THE YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN 2012 WITH A MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN FAMILY LIFE AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. HANNAH CURRENTLY WORKS AS A CERTIFIED PARENT COACH AND EDUCATOR FOR INSIDE OUT PARENT COACHING.

One of the most signifi cant things

about the program was the genuine

support I received from the faculty. They were invested in me

and my particular research and project interests, and their

passion for their own work was contagious.

It was inspiring to be part of a group of people doing such important work in

the community and supporting each other

at the same time!

“

“

CAREER FOCUS: PARENT COACHINGH A N N A H K L I N E


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YFCS Graduation: Fall 2019


I began the program in Fall of 2016. I was

initially drawn to the program because of

the Family Life Coaching course and after

reviewing the course options I decided

to apply for the Family Life Education

and Coaching Certifi cate. I really enjoyed

the Family Life Coaching course and my

classmates were awesome to work with. The

Parenting Education course was pivotal for

me, it revealed how much I enjoy supporting

families and specifi cally parents. I really

enjoyed the course assignments/projects. It

was in that course that I decided to apply for

the Master’s program, which I am currently

enrolled in.

Niambi Ivery currently works

as the Assistant Director of

Conferences at UNC Charlotte.


I’ve always had a passion for working

with, motivating and encouraging people

and specifi cally youth transitioning into

adulthood and women. It wasn’t until I came

across the Youth, Family and Community

Sciences Graduate Program that I was able to

see possible career pathways that matched

up with this passion. I attribute that discovery

process and increased awareness not only

to my courses, as the Parenting Education

course was pivotal in my decision to continue

on beyond the certifi cate program, but also

to my amazing professors and classmates.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM, BEING COMPLETELY ONLINE, IS WHAT MADE

RETURNING TO SCHOOL POSSIBLE FOR ME. AS A WORKING MOM AND WIFE I AM

EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO BE ABLE TO PURSUE MY PASSION THROUGH THIS PROGRAM.

“

“CURRENT STUDENTS

19


My journey in the YFCS program began in Spring 2017. The program is an appropriate avenue, as I seek to fulfi ll my passion of helping children and older adults. The mission to serve, identify, and remedy issues within families and communities was the educational platform that matched my desire to extend my experiences. The broad career opportunities, including the Certifi ed Family Life Educator (CFLE) and Family Coaching tracks, were also of great interest.


CALS and the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences program has created a greater passion for advocacy and family resource management. In my current career, I feel equipped to alleviate barriers facing community college students and assist them with relevant resources. I am able to apply family theories and address challenges with empathy and vigor. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow with other professionals, and I look forward to applying coursework to future professional endeavors.

THE YFCS PROGRAM ENCOURAGES CRITICAL AND PASSIONATE THINKING, AND DEVELOPS POSITIVE

RELATIONSHIPS. QUALITY TIME REAPS GREAT REWARDS. THERE ARE RICH OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE

RESEARCH METHODS, THEORY, AND TECHNOLOGY.

Jennifer Wells

Career Focus:

Family Li fe

Coaching,

Youth

Development ,

Aging

Community

“

“

Jennifer is currently

a Student Success

Offi ce Assistant at

Wake Technical

Community College

YFCS Graduation: Fall 2019

20

TSHARRE SANDERS WILL EARN HER MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCES IN THE SPRING OF 2020. SHE CURRENTLY WORKS AS A COMMUNITY COORDINATOR AT THE NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS.

It is exciting to learn about topics that I know have

the potential to transform families and

communities.

“

“

AREAS OF INTEREST: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, NON-PROFIT

21

Relationship and History with the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Graduate ProgramAs a youth-serving professional, I am able to use just about everything I have

learned in the program so far in my current role. From collaborating with others,

to parenting and programming, all of the information from class has directly

related to the work I do with students! In my personal life, I’ve been able to give

tips or books to friends with children and explore my passions a bit more in depth

as a result of engaging with the course material.

Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Impact on your Career, Family and or Success I’m grateful to be a part of a community of people who care so deeply about

the populations they serve. While I am grateful for all of the professors, I have

immense gratitude for Andrew, Maru, and Annie. I’m grateful for the care they’ve

shown and their investment in me as a student; it means a lot!

22

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I have worked with youth for all of my career

and was a YMCA summer camp director and

counselor as well as a nanny through college,

so I knew that I would work with kids. Once I

saw this program and learned that I enjoyed

working with the whole family unit, I fell

in love with this opportunity. This program

has offered a foundation that I could have

never gotten without the YFCS professors

and students. Now I feel I can truly support

families at a level I never could have before.

It has taken my skills, passion and drive to a

whole other level.

Emily Ragland will earn her Master

of Youth, Family, and Community

Sciences degree in Spring 2020.

She currently works as a Program

Director at Brain Balance of Chapel

Hill.

I have learned more than

I ever imagined I would,

especially as someone

who went to a small high

school and college. I was

worried about the online

aspect, but the professors

make the classes so

engaging, you hardly

feel the distance. Before

now I have never had an

academic year where

every single class I took

was pertinent and helpful

to my work.

“

“


I fi rst became aware of the YFCS program after I had been with Lenoir County Cooperative Extension for several years. Our CED strongly encouraged furthering my education. After talking with staff, I decided to take the route of getting my Master’s Certifi cate in Family Life and Parent education. After completing that in December 2015 and taking a year off, I decided that I wanted to complete my full Master's degree in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences.


During my courses, the knowledge base that I gained has helped me grow as an educator, but also has helped me be more conscious of the youth and families that I am working with and what their life experiences bring with them as well. Working with Lenoir County Cooperative Extension, CALS and the YFCS program has given me vast knowledge to be able to provide the needed, essential services for the youth and families in Lenoir and surrounding counties.

THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY FACULTY AND STAFF THAT HAVE HELPED ME THROUGH MY ENTIRE JOURNEY, FROM COMPLETING MY MASTERS

CERTIFICATE IN 2015 TO GRADUATING THIS SPRING WITH MY MASTER'S DEGREE.

Velvet Waters Tyndall

Career Focus:

Family Li fe

and Parent

Educat ion

“

“

Velvet is currently

working as a Parents

As Teachers Educator

at the North Carolina

Cooperative Extension

Lenoir County Center

YFCS Graduation: May 2019

23

MASTER’S DEGREES• The Master of Science in Youth, Family,

and Community Sciences (MS) is a thesis degree that requires 36 graduate credit hours culminating in a fi nal oral examination and thesis approved by the student’s graduate committee. This option is ideal for students with an interest in pursuing a doctoral program or who have a strong interest in research and program evaluation.

• The Master of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences (MR) is a non-thesis degree that requires a total of 30 graduate credit hours culminating in a capstone experience the student’s fi nal semester. This option is ideal for students that desire a master’s degree as their fi nal degree.

Rachel Harris Monteverdi, YFCS MR Graduate, 2014

Sonja Mitchell, YFCS MS Graduate, 2013

24

Family Life Education and CoachingThis certifi cate program prepares students to work with parents, professionals, and

families as both a family life educator and family life coach. Family Life Coaches (FLCs)

help clients through a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to

maximize their potential, reach goals, and achieve happiness.

Required courses are designed to strengthen the student’s understanding and

application of the critical aspects of family life coaching, including a strengthened

understanding of the fi elds of coaching psychology and family life education. Family

Life Educators (FLEs) are strengths-based professionals who provide preventative

education to families in organized efforts designed to provide information, skills,

experiences, or resources intended to strengthen, improve, or enrich their family

experience. Coaching is an emerging family science fi eld that provides research-based

strategies for helping families become more successful.

Youth Development and LeadershipThis certifi cate program prepares students to work as leaders in community-based

organizations. Students gain a more comprehensive understanding of organizational

leadership, as well as an applied understanding of effective management skills. The

certifi cate is intended to enhance a student’s work in organizational administration

and/or volunteer management including volunteer recruitment, retention, risk

management, and recognition. A total of four graduate courses (12 credit hours)

are required.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATESTHE YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCES GRADUATE PROGRAM OFFERS THREE GRADUATE CERTIFICATES:

25

Leadership and Volunteer Management This certifi cate program prepares students to work as leaders in youth-serving

organizations. Students will gain a more comprehensive understanding of

youth development, as well as an applied understanding of strengths-based

leadership skills designed to provide oversight, preventative education, enrichment

opportunities, and/or resources intended to strengthen, improve, or enhance youth

development and organizational administration.

Our graduate certifi cates are a great option for students who are seeking new or expanded learning in a specifi c concentration area of Family Life and Youth Development. YFCS certifi cate

coursework is transferable into our Master’s degree programs.

26

Work Experience and Job DutiesWith three years of experience as a Regional Public Educator, I serve a total of nine counties by connecting, encouraging, and speaking with local stakeholders (i.e., school administrators, medical professionals PE educators, public health educators) about increasing, educating about, and promoting physical activity for the local youth through walking and biking to or at their local schools.

As the leader of my own non-profi t, Workshop on Wheels (WOW), my mission is to educate, empower, and expose youth to topics on self-esteem, educational opportunities, college preparation, bullying prevention, and so much more. It’s a very broad organization that really develops great citizens of tomorrow.

I’ve also worked hard to support Hurricane Matthew relief efforts, working about 40 to 50 hours at the Red Cross, Saint Paul’s Shelter with the Robeson County Department of Public Health and the Department of Social Services.

For more on Shahnee Haire, see her story featured in NC State University’s Graduate School Magazine, Think:

SHAHNEE HAIRE WILL EARN HER YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCES GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN THE FALL OF 2018. SHAHNEE PREVIOUSLY WORKED AS A REGIONAL PUBLIC EDUCATOR WITH THE ROBESON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND IS THE FOUNDER OF HER NON-PROFIT AND MOBILE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION, WORKSHOP ON WHEELS (WOW). SHE IS CURRENTLY A PROGRAM MANAGER WITH THE DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AT THE NC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

The program has

really impacted me.

It gave me a better

understanding

about millennials,

baby boomer

generations, and

multi-generational

homes and how to

use that information

when I go into the

multi-generational

workforce, working

with a variety of

backgrounds.

“

“

CAREER FOCUS: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, NON-PROFIT

S H A H N E E H A I R E

Graduate Certifi cate in Youth Development and Leadership

Photo credit: Becky Kirkland

https://grad.ncsu.edu/news/2017/07/shahnee-haire/ 27

https://grad.ncsu.edu/news/2017/07/shahnee-haire/

28

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Graduate Certifi cate in Family Life Education and Coaching

Bria Sledge graduated from the

Youth, Family, and Community

Sciences graduate certifi cate

program with a graduate certifi cate

in Family Life Coaching in 2016.

She is currently the Early Childhood

Program Assistant for the Natural

Learning Initiative in NC State

University's College of Design. Bria

also works as a project assistant

for Dr. Kim Allen, YFCS Director of

Graduate Programs.

RELATIONSHIP AND HISTORY WITH THE YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCES GRADUATE PROGRAM

I just became a Board Certifi ed Coach (BCC),

but am not new to this developing fi eld of

work. I graduated from NC State University’s

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

(CHASS) with a Master of Arts degree in

Liberal Studies in May of 2016. I then went

on to earn a graduate certifi cate in Family

Life Education and Coaching (FLEC) from

NC State’s Youth, Family, and Community

Sciences Graduate Certifi cate Program in

the Department of Agricultural and Human

Sciences in June of 2016.

29

CURRENT JOB DUTIES

• Contribute early childhood expertise on

developmentally appropriate outdoor

environments for young children to

the content of participatory design

workshops.

• Advise childcare centers participating in

sponsored projects on developmentally

appropriate practice and provide

related technical assistance during the

implementation and upgrading of their

outdoor learning environments.

• Assist childcare centers participating in

sponsored projects in creation action

plans, organizing installation events,

engaging parents in implementation

tasks and learning processes, identifying

potential funders, and developing local

networks of sustainers.

• Create content on developmentally

appropriate outdoor environments

for young children and deliver related

professional development activities

(workshops, webinars, and online

distance education certifi cate programs).


Coaching is an emerging family science

fi eld that is becoming a research-method

for assisting families with identifying and

reaching their goals. I hope to use my

certifi cation to impact youth, families and

major stakeholders in my community.

The coaching and encouragement I received

from my professors at NC State has helped

me along the way.

I liked the professors I had, because they

were so helpful, especially Dr. Allen. She

encouraged me to get my certifi cate and

provided me with the necessary resources

I would need. She’s a lady with big ideas,

and to have someone behind me that is so

encouraging and positive, it builds on you.

FUTURE PLANS

I hope to continue creating content for

childcare providers. In addition to the

playground safety content I have created

already, I plan to develop other training

materials focused on environmental safety,

social behavior, bullying prevention, and

mental health. I hope these trainings will

help childcare providers and most

importantly, the youth.

This story and other stories about many of the Agricultural and Human Sciences Alumni can be found at:

https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/alumna-makes- big-impact-behind-the-scenes-through- coaching/

https://www.fl cassociation.org

WHEN PEOPLE HEAR ABOUT COACHING THEY THINK ABOUT FOOTBALL OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE THOSE PEOPLE WHO THINK IT’S SIMILAR TO COUNSELING BUT WITH COACHING IT IS ABOUT

BEING THE EXPERT IN YOUR OWN LIFE. I’M JUST HERE TO HELP GUIDE YOU, AND I LIKE THAT ASPECT, ESPECIALLY FAMILY LIFE COACHING.

“

“

https://www.flcassociation.org/

https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/alumna-makes-big-impact-behind-the-scenes-through-coaching/

30


I have a strong relationship with the YFCS graduate program. Even though I am just part of their graduate certifi cate program, I feel part of the culture within YFCS. Professors and staff members are fantastic; they are always available to guide me through academic and personal questions I may have. I have had interesting conversations both via emails and in person about furthering my education, career options, and weighing out my possibilities. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such knowledgeable and caring individuals.


I have positively been impacted by CALS and YFCS. I have been guided beyond words. CALS and YFCS has opened doors for me where I have been able to network and expand my expertise through internships and conferences. In relation to family impact, Deidra Craig, Dr. Behnke, and Dr. Allen have advised me in regard to what is best for me. I am originally from Los Angeles; my family and partner still reside there. It has been challenging being in a long-distance relationship with all of them for the past two years; however, I have received great advice and support from these spectacular staff members. I am now transitioning to apply for jobs, and they have been extremely helpful in putting me in connection with professionals they know of who reside in southern California. I am thankful to have these wonderful individuals in my life.

Mayra will earn her

certifi cate in Leadership

and Volunteer

Management in

Spring 2018.

I FEEL READY

TO BEGIN MY

NEW JOURNEY

AS AN EARLY

PROFESSIONAL

BECAUSE OF THE

TRAINING AND

PREPARATION I

HAVE RECEIVED.

Mayra Robledo

Career Focus:

Leadership ,

Volunteer ism

Graduate Certifi catein Leadership andVolunteerManagement

“

“

https://www.volunteeralive.org

https://www.volunteeralive.org

TAMIKA BAIN COMPLETED HER FIRST GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN

2018 AND WILL EARN A SECOND GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN SPRING

2020. TAMIKA CURRENTLY WORKS AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT

CHILDREN AND PARENT RESOURCE GROUP, INC.

What I have found

most positive and

impactful about

the Youth, Family,

and Community

Sciences Program

is the way the

program challenges

its members, and

pushes them out

of their comfort

zone, in order to

reach their highest

potential.

“

“

CAREER FOCUS: YOUTH DEVELOPMENTTA M I K A B A I N

Graduate Certifi cate in Youth Development and Leadership

31

Relationship and History with the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Graduate ProgramI fi rst became aware of the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Graduate

Program in a professional capacity, while working with the non-profi t

organization Children and Parent Resource Group, Inc. As the Executive Director

of the organization, I led a search for research assistants to participate in our

youth program and had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Allen and other staff

from the YFCS Department. As I began to consider avenues to further my own

education and knowledge in the fi eld, I learned about the university’s graduate

certifi cate programs and my personal interest in the program was piqued.

Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Impact on your Career, Family and or Success The YFCS graduate program has impacted every aspect of my personal and

professional life, by providing not only skills and knowledge I bring to my work

every day, but also meaningful and informed new perspectives that I bring to all

of my endeavors.

COURSE OFFERINGSThe Youth, Family, and Community Sciences (YFCS) graduate program offers a variety of distance courses

that are available to graduate and post-baccalaureate studies students (GR, PBS). Unless noted, all YFCS

online courses are three credit hours. Courses are required for all master’s degree programs, along with

elective options. Check out our course offerings listed below:

YFCS 500 Supervised Professional Experience in YFCS

YFCS 502 Theories in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences

YFCS 523 Family Relationships Over the Life Course

YFCS 531 Effective Management of Family Resources

YFCS 533 Complex Family Issues

YFCS 535 Family Health and Well-Being

YFCS 537 Human Sexuality

YFCS 540 Environmental Infl uences on the Family

YFCS 543 Applied Concepts in Parenting and Family Life Education

YFCS 545 Family Communication and Coaching

YFCS 547 Family Life Coaching

YFCS 550 Youth and Family Professionals as Leaders

YFCS 551 Research Methods

YFCS 552 Program Development and Evaluation in Youth and Family Settings

YFCS 553 Applied Concepts in Child and Youth Development

YFCS 554 Collaborations and Partnerships in Youth & Family Settings

YFCS 556 Organizational Systems in Youth and Family Settings

YFCS 557 Volunteerism in Youth and Family Settings

YFCS 558 Contemporary Issues in Volunteer Resource Management

YFCS 585 Professional Ethics and Family Policy

YFCS 590 Special Problems in Family Life and Youth Development

YFCS 590 Evaluation Basics

YFCS 590 Human Sexuality

YFCS 590 Costa Rica: Diversity, Inclusion and Understanding the Differences

YFCS 695 Thesis Research

ST 507 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

AEE 578 Scientifi c Inquiry in Agricultural and Extension Education

*Offered All Semesters:

YFCS 500 - Supervised Professional Experience (Orientation Required)

YFCS 630 - Independent Study

YFCS 695 - Thesis Research32

INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD EXPERIENCE

Many of our students come to our program with fi eld experience, while others pursue employment in the fi eld as well as internships in their respective communities while enrolled in our program. One unique aspect about our program is that it is fully online. We cater to a plethora of adult learners seeking a graduate program that is fl exible and provides real-world content used in an array of career focuses within the realm of youth and families. As an adult learner in our online program, we encourage our students to apply the content learned in their place of employment. Additionally, we encourage students to seek

(left) Taylor McDonald, (middle) Mayra Robledo, (right) Amber Emerson. Taylor, Mayra, and Amber are featured on the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences 2017 November blogpost. Check out this story by visiting:

https://yfcsonline.cals.ncsu.edu/2017/11/building-networks-friendships-online-yfcs-programs/

internship, fellowship, and assistantship opportunities in their community while enrolled in the program in order to gain hands-on experience in the fi eld. Such fi eld opportunities are also presented to our students in the form of a course, YFCS 500-Supervised Professional Experience in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences. This is a required course in our master’s program and prepares students for professional positions in family life and youth development. Students work with a faculty member or community-based organization to design a Master’s capstone project that aligns with their professional goals and offers fi eld-based experience.

33

https://yfcsonline.cals.ncsu.edu/2017/11/building-networks-friendships-online-yfcs-programs/

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Master of Youth, Family,and Community Sciences, 2018


The opportunities I have been given have

been life changing. If it wasn’t for my caring

professors in this program, I wouldn’t be

awarded with the wonderful opportunities

that I have been given to attend helpful

conferences in our fi eld, network, present at

conferences, and feel comfortable expanding

from my “old” comfort zone. I am beyond

thankful and happy with the opportunities I

have experienced this far and know that my

academic journey is far from over. Knowing

that I have the support of my professors,

mentors, and fellow student colleagues

means so much.

Taylor McDonald currently works

as an intern and project assistant

with NC State University’s College

of Design, Natural Learning

Initiative (NLI).


The CALS and Youth, Family, and Community

Sciences Graduate Program has impacted

my career and success in a multitude of

ways. From the very beginning of this

program, I have gained the confi dence and

independence to grow as an emerging family

scientist in the fi eld. The consistency of my

professors and the genuine support they

have shown has made a positive impact

on my studies and how I view the world.

This program has allowed me to participate

in multiple conferences, submit proposals

and present a poster session with a dear

friend. Because of CALS, I have been able

to network with other professionals, help

my current professors with Juntos and Be

Safe, and get a job as graduate student

assistant with The Natural Learning Initiative

at NC State. Because of the YFCS graduate

program, I am currently striving to get my

PhD and stay in academia for a long time. 34

“

“

THROUGHOUT MY JOURNEY IN THIS PROGRAM, I HAVE

MET MENTORS WHO I HOPE WILL BE PART OF MY

LIFE FOREVER. THE YFCS GRADUATE PROGRAM HAS

REALLY HELPED ME FLOURISH AS A STUDENT, PERSON, AND

ASPIRING ACADEMIC. I BEGAN MY JOURNEY IN THE YFCS GRADUATE PROGRAM

IN THE FALL OF 2016, AND IT HAS HONESTLY BEEN ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I HAVE

EVER MADE IN MY LIFE.

For more on NLI visit:

https://naturalearning.org/

POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCES PROGRAM

This graduate program has a plethora of

possibilities for people in our fi eld who

want to get involved, learn more, or become

a family scientist themselves. The YFCS

program focuses on diversity and inclusion,

making sure that no matter what your

interests may be, there is a way we can

work together and fi nd research that will

help you reach your future goals. I feel as

though the YFCS program is like a family and

we all want one another to succeed. I have

never felt unwanted, shy, or like a burden

to any of my professors. I have always felt

motivated, encouraged, and confi dent. I was

a family studies and human development

major in my undergraduate career at Illinois

State University. The knowledge I gained

during undergrad has helped me succeed in

graduate school, and the courses I have taken

in the YFCS program have allowed me to take

the knowledge I already had, and expand

it in a different angle. I have nothing but

wonderful stories and personal motivators

coming out of my experience as a YFCS

student. I feel as though everything comes

full circle and I encourage anyone with the

interest of wanting to help families, children,

and your community, to check out the YFCS

Graduate program at NC State.

35

https://naturalearning.org/

MEET OUR FACULTY

Dr. Carolyn DunnDEPARTMENT HEAD

Dr. Kimberly AllenDIRECTOR OF

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Dr. Michael SchulmanPROFESSOR

Dr. Harriett EdwardsASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Dr. Annie Hardison- Moody

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Dr. Ben ChapmanASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Dr. Lucille BearonASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Dr. BenjaminSilliman

PROFESSOR

Dr. Dara BloomASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Dr. Sarah KirbyPROFESSOR

Dr. Carolyn BirdASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Dr. Lindsey Haynes-Maslow

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Dr. Mitzi DowningEXTENSION ASSISTANT

PROFESSOR

Dr. Maru GonzalezASSISTANT PROFESSOR

36

NORTHCAROLINA US

591

$42,512

IN THE LAST 12 MONTHSJOB POSTINGS

AVERAGE SALARY

TOP INDUSTRIES HIRINGHealth Care and Social Assistance

HospitalsPublic Administration

Individual and Family Services

TOP EMPLOYERS HIRINGCAROLINAS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

YOUTH VILLAGESDEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRSDOUGLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT

WAKE MEDRHA HEALTH SERVICES

TOP EMPLOYERS HIRINGDEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS

DAVITA INC.FRESENIUS

YOUTH VILLAGESHCR MANORCARE

HOSPITAL CORPORATION OF AMERICA

TOP INDUSTRIES HIRINGHuman Development

Family and Community ServicesChild Development

Child care and Support Services Management

$45,061

35,777

AVERAGE SALARY$

IN THE LAST 12 MONTHSJOB POSTINGS

Youth, Family, and Community Sciences DegreeEMPLOYMENT STATS

AND

Source: Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight. 2016.37

NC STATE UNIVERSITY PROMOTES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

BASED UPON ONE’S AGE, COLOR, DISABILITY, GENDER IDENTITY, GENETIC INFORMATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN,

RACE, RELIGION, SEX ( INCLUDING PREGNANCY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND VETERAN STATUS.

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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES

ACADEMIC PROGRAM IN YOUTH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SCIENCES

CAMPUS BOX 7606 | RALEIGH, NC 27695

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We are also on social media! We welcome you to follow us for program updates, career opportunities, program offerings, funding opportunities, and for news on the achievements of our great faculty, students, alumni and staff.

Follow us at the following social media handles:

Check us out online! For more information about our academic program visit:

https://yfcsonline.cals.ncsu.edu/

For information about our college, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, visit:


For information about our department, the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, visit:

https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences

Want to know how to stay connected with the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences graduate program?

STAY CONNECTED

https://yfcsonline.cals.ncsu.edu/


https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences

https://www.facebook.com/NCYFCS/

https://twitter.com/@NCSU_YFCS

https://www.instagram.com/ncsu_yfcs/

Documents

Youth, Family, and Community Sciences...We Value Inclusion and Diversity The Youth, Family, and Community Sciences program supports and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. As