EMU: About American Humanics

What is American Humanics?

Mission and Vision

Governance and Funding

Statistics and Facts

How does it work?

Program Benefits and Student Opinions

Field-based Experience

General Q & A

National American Humanics office

What is American Humanics?

American Humanics is a national alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations dedicated to educating, preparing and certifying professionals to strengthen and lead nonprofit organizations .

Mission and Vision:

American Humanics is a national alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations preparing undergraduates for careers with youth and human service agencies. American Humanics' mission is to prepare and certify future nonprofit professionals to work with America's youth and families.

Governance and Funding:

American Humanics is governed by a national board of directors from academic, nonprofit, and business sectors. Operating funds are provided by annual affiliation fees, contributions, foundation grants, and endowment earnings.

For more information on the board of directors - click here

Statistics and Facts:

• 25 million people of all ages are served by American Humanics' nonprofit partners

• More than 3,000 college students have been certified by American Humanics

• Hundreds of nonprofit agencies across the country employ American Humanics certified graduates

• More than 2,000 students are enrolled in American Humanics' programs this year

How does it work?

Students enroll in the program and receive the American Humanics certificate while pursuing a bachelor's degree. Certificates are earned by:

• Achieving 14 specific competencies

• Completing 300 hours of field-based experiences at a local nonprofit

• Being active in the American Humanics Student Association

• Attending at least one American Humanics Management Institute.

There are two ways to achieve the competencies: by completing a portfolio or by enrolling in the interdisciplinary minor in nonprofit administration administered by the Department of Political Science.

What are the American Humanics competencies?

• General Nonprofit Management
• Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Management
• Marketing
• Program Planning
• Risk Management
• Board and Committee Development
• Fund-raising Principles and Practices
• Human Resources Development and Supervision
• Historical and Philosophical Foundations
• Youth and Adult Development
• Career Development and Exploration
• Communication Skills
• Employability Skills
• Personal Attributes

How does American Humanics benefit students?

Nationwide, nonprofit organizations need to fill more than 50,000 professional positions annually. AH-certified students, specifically trained in the field of nonprofit management, are highly sought after to fill the demand for program directors, human resource managers, fund raisers, volunteer coordinators, and other positions. American Humanics graduates have an outstanding record of job placement -- nearly 100% for those students completing all requirements; scholarships are available to qualified students through the American Humanics Financial Aid program.

What is a typical American Humanics Student like?

The American Humanics program is not for everyone! It is a program designed for serious, hard- working students interested in learning about nonprofit organizations. It is for those who want to develop new skills and boost their chances on the job market, and who are enthusiastic about working with the community.

Opinions about the program

“ As a graduate I must say that a AH certification gives you a leg up regardless of what you into. I notice that having this certification shows employers that I am a real person who cares about real issues in life and better yet, I'm willing to make a career out of helping people.”

Alexis Rhudy, AH Student

“ I always knew what I wanted to do after college, but until I found AH I didn't know how I was going to get there. For me, AH is part of my dream becoming reality.”

Christina Kotrych, AH student

“American Humanics is by far the best student association on campus. It offers scholastic workshops and educational insight to the nonprofit sector [and] it requires that the student spend[s] ample time volunteering in the nonprofit sector. This experience in the field is one of the most crucial details to the program and really gives the student a head start into [his or her] career.”

Heather Mooney, AH student

“I would recommend American Humanics to any college student who wants to get into the business of serving people. It is the best way to find out about opportunities to be of service and to get a head start on a career in service to the community.”

Phil Hanson, Executive Vice President Heart of American United Way
American Humanics Alumnus

What is the Field-based Experience?

Our American Humanics national partners and local nonprofit organizations are working with the American Humanics students to provide them with meaningful field based experiences. Some of our partners are:

American Red Cross
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Boy Scouts of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Girl Scouts of the USA
Girls Incorporated
March of Dimes
National Urban League
The Humane Society
United Way of America
Volunteers of America
YMCA of the USA
Many others

General Q & A

1. What does "Humanics" mean?

It means “ spirit, mind and body in humanitarian service .” The term was coined in the late 1800s to early 1900s by a professor at Springfield College .

2. What is the Nonprofit Sector?

The "Nonprofit Sector" is the collective name used to describe institutions and organizations that are nongovernmental and do not exist to make money for owners or investors. Often, the nonprofit sector is referred to as the not-for-profit sector, the third sector, the independent sector, the philanthropic sector, or the social sector. The nonprofit sector exists to enhance the social fabric of our country.

The nonprofit sector includes many subcategories such as charities, foundations, social welfare organizations, and professional and trade organizations. Within the vastness of these areas lies the undercurrent of philanthropy, volunteerism, not-for-profit initiative, and citizen action. Nonprofit organizations are classified in section 501(c) of the IRS tax code that qualifies the organization for tax exemption.

The sector of nonprofit organizations that American Humanics focuses on is more condensed and lies in the arena of youth and human service organizations. Although our focus is in one area of the nonprofit sector, the skills and competencies that are acquired by our students can be applied in any area of this sector.

3. What policy does American Humanics have on discrimination?

The Equal Opportunity Statement adopted by the Board of Directors on June 24, 1995, reads as follows:

"American Humanics, Inc. prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national or ethnic origin, or veteran status. This applies to employment, program matters, financial aid awards, and all other AH administered programs and activities. AH is committed to the principle and implementation of nondiscrimination in all employment and program decisions on the basis of relevant employment and program criteria.