A Historical Evolution of Youth and Nonprofit Management Academic Programs: Lessons Learned Over 3 Decades

This paper outlines the foundation, history, and support of the study of youth development and nonprofit administration at the University of Northern Iowa. A historical analysis of the program provides insight on how higher education administrators, programs directors, and support of external stakeholders affected the program’s ability to stabilize and experience growth. The analysis reveals the progression of the program and its various components. Highlighted is the historical evolution of the program pertaining to its curricular aspects of youth development and nonprofit administration. Seven important lessons that can provide insight on the growth and sustainability of academic programs over time have been learned over the past 3 decades. Subscribe to JNEL