School of Graduate and Professional Studies
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA) is a national alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations dedicated to educating, preparing and certifying professionals to strengthen and lead nonprofit organizations. Rockhurst is one of 40 colleges and universities affiliated with Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and has an award-winning NLA program, consistently recognized for excellence in community service, fundraising, certification, research and program innovation.
NLA’s National Nonprofit Partner organizations include Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fire USA, Feeding America, Girl Scouts, Girls Incorporated, March of Dimes, National 4-H Council, National Human Services Assembly, National Urban League, Voices for America’s Children, Volunteers of America, and YMCA of the USA. These national organizations and their local affiliates work directly with NLA students for volunteer, internship and employment opportunities.
The NLA certificate program at Rockhurst is open to all students. NLA certificate-seeking students must complete a three hour lower-division course, NP 1110 , and 15 hours of upper-division credit, including NP 4060 , and the student’s choice of four of the following courses: NP 3020 , NP 3050 , NP 3070 , NP 3090 , and NP 4010 . Additionally, the certificate-seeking students must perform a minimum of 300 hours of supervised internship work by enrolling in NP 4970 . Courses are available at Rockhurst in the day and evening. A grade of C or better is required in each upper-division course of the certificate program. (A grade of C- will not fulfill the requirement.)
Students also must attend at least one Alliance Management Institute (a national conference held each January) and participate in the campus Nonprofit Leadership Student Association. These leadership activities help students gain experience in program planning, governance and fundraising, and to become acquainted with career possibilities in the nonprofit sector.
Upon successful completion of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Certificate program requirements and a baccalaureate degree, students are awarded the National Certificate in Nonprofit Management/Leadership and may use the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) designation. This certificate is awarded by Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.
