The Community Development Work program at Centennial is like no other in all of Ontario. This unique 2 year diploma program supports students in preparing for an interdisciplinary field, working with a diversity of groups, and often ones experiencing vulnerability, marginalization and/or in need of great access to community supports. Students build skills in critical thinking of matters such as social justice, anti-oppressive practice, sustainable development, community engagement, community asset-mapping, fundraising, team building, collaborative leadership, project management, research and project evaluation.

Expert guest speakers, field trips, and collaborative projects with local and international NGOs attached to student learning evaluations and assessments are all components of this program’s courses and learning outcomes. Students learn from experienced and passionate faculty members who come from a diverse range of local and international community development settings and educational backgrounds.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of this program is how students connect theory to practice through field placement learning opportunities. As students engage in field placement opportunities/on-the job internship experiences with organizations, institutions and social enterprises they are actively engaged in community work and can use these experiences to discuss their skills and meet the challenges of new opportunities in the field of employment.

The program philosophy of Community Development Work at Centennial is based upon the fundamental belief in the dignity, worth and potential of all people to live a decent and flourishing quality of life in their communities. Through the design of relevant curriculum, the program stands for respect, equity, right to self- determination, empowerment and social justice.

We are committed to:

Anti-Oppressive Practice – The development of professionals w h o carry out anti-discriminatory, anti-racist, anti- colonial and relationship- based practice that pursues social and environmental justice.

Critical Reflection & Collaboration – The development of skills in critical reflection and inter-professional collaboration that facilitates the effective use of self within group dynamics as the foundation of practice.

Social & Environmental Justice – Collaboration with marginalized and disenfranchised individuals, communities and ecosystems to help remove barriers and facilitate social and environmental change and/or conservation.

Teaching & Learning – The use of effective teaching and learning processes to promote an inclusive and respectful community of learners, and to identify and address inequalities and power imbalances that may arise in the classroom.

Interdisciplinary & Inter-Professional Education (IPE) – Demonstrating an appreciation of the interdisciplinary and evolving nature of Community Development theoretical knowledge and practice in a context of inter-professional collaboration.