Ypar CERTIFICATE program

This asynchronous course is offered in partnership with Eastern Michigan University's Professional Programs & Training. This course also offers 30 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) for Michigan educators!

This course will introduce you to Youth-Led Participatory Action Research (YPAR), a framework that positions young people to investigate and address issues that matter to them. YPAR is a collaborative process that involves students, educators, and community members working together to identify problems, gather data, and develop solutions. 

Through YPAR, you will learn to: 

• Understand and address social issues from youth perspectives
• Develop critical thinking and research skills
• Build meaningful relationships with peers, parents, and community members
• Advocate for change and make a positive impact on community 

Course Objectives

• To develop a deeper understanding of YPAR and its applications;
• To understand the importance of YPAR, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to advise YPAR projects;
• To determine appropriate YPAR audiences by fostering voice and agency among young people;
• To make connections between YPAR and problem, place, and project-based learning to promote equity and community engagement;
• And, to learn the steps to engage in a YPAR project alongside students.

Course Structure

This course consist of four (4) modules which includes course readings, discussions, videos, case studies, and self-assessments.

• Module 1: YPAR, Student Voice, and Student Agency
• Module 2: Doing Youth-Led Participatory Action Research 
• Module 3: Problem-. Place-, and Project-Based Learning and YPAR
• Module 4: YPAR Case Study 

In this course you will learn about YPAR as both a theory and methodology, as well as, reflect on strategies to engage in a YPAR projects alongside students within your professional and personal context.