What should be my first step in starting a youth center?

Question

Current college student. What should my major be if I want to open a center for at-risk youth? I'm currently a psych major, but i feel like I should have some background in another field. Also, what can I be doing while i'm still in school to make sure I can get this started without waisting any time after graduation from grad school?

Answer 1

Consider counseling ( should probably be covered by psych major) education etc.  However, If you are planning on opening a youth center you definitely need to take classes in business, non-profit organizations( endless state and federal requirements, possibly city ordinances as well), security, grant writing, funding etc.  What will be the focus of a youth center?  Residential, recreational, transition to independent living etc?    Learn how to use verbal judo, persuading people without using violence, when and how to do restraints safely ( last resort) , FERPA, HIPPA and other laws.   Frankly, you could  use a few years of seasoning in an adolescent rehab center such as Abraxis ( Cornell corrections group).   They provide excellect ( paid training)  before you get near a kid. One of the people in my training class has her psychology degree, and says she is learning a lot of practical application of the theories she learned in school.

Maybe your graduate paper could focus on designing and implementing your own youth center.  Observe several of them and interview their founders.  How did they get started and why?  Where?   Is there a need that you are trying to fill?   Good luck  and do not expect to get rich!