About the University YMCA
The University YMCA enjoys a unique collaboration with the University of Toledo. For college students, this branch is similar to other clubs and organizations found on the UT campus. Founded in October 1908, the  University Y is one of only 15 student led YMCAs in the country.

Typical of a student YMCA, the University YMCA  is programmatically diverse. There is a definitely an emphasis on college student development,  plus a partnership exists which gives  University of Toledo college students the  opportunity to focus on community outreach.

The programs facilitated by the University YMCA focus specifically on leadership development and service learning. Overall, college students as well as Toledo's youth benefit from this student YMCA.

Participate... Serve... Volunteer!
Volunteers are needed and appreciated at the YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo. Volunteering requires no previous job experience and will provide opportunities to use your talents. Call or email Bobbie Kehlmeier, volunteer director, at 419-729-8135 to volunteer today.

YMCA and UT Launch YMCA Professional Studies Program
By Jennifer Ruple

The YMCA of Greater Toledo and the University of Toledo have designed a program that will allow undergraduate students to earn YMCA Senior Director Certification while studying for their bachelor's degrees. Students completing the YMCA Professional Studies Program (YPSP) will qualify for YMCA Senior Director Certification, paid internships and job placement at the YMCA which is one of the largest not-for-profit organizations in the country. The YMCA of Greater Toledo employs more than 2,100 locally.

The YMCA Professional Studies Program will be offered beginning this fall through the University of Toledo's College of Health and Human Services' Recreation and Leisure Studies Department. UT is one of five colleges/universities in the country selected by the YMCA of the USA to offer the program.

The program gives students the opportunity to receive this required YMCA director certification prior to their employment. Traditionally, YMCA directors begin working on this certification during their first year of employment.

Students enrolled in YPSP will study group work and volunteerism and equivalent courses will be offered for the requirements of supervision, financial management, community development, diversity and program development. In addition, students will receive support and assistance from national and local YMCAs through internship opportunities, special conferences, publications, scholarships, service learning projects, employment and more.

To learn more about the YMCA Professional Studies Program at the University of Toledo, please call Dr. Bruce Groves of the Recreation and Leisure Studies Departmen at 419-530-4353.

Dr. Bruce Groves, Associate professor of Public Health and Rehabilitative services, adds his signature to the agreeement for the launch of the UT/YMCA Professional Studies Program, as, from left to right, Dr. Jerome Sullivan, Dean of the UT College of Health and Human Services; Robert Alexander, President and CEO of the YMCA and JCC of Toledo; and Kim Phillips, Program Leadership and Development consultant with the YMCA of the USA, share the announcement with the community.