The Certificate Program

While anyone may attend Academy courses, participants who are formally enrolled in the Academy have the opportunity to work towards a capstone Certificate that recognizes their achievement.

The Certificate Courses will provide:

• One-of-a-kind instruction tailored for Senior Nutrition Program professionals;

• Hands-on practical knowledge, skills and expertise;

• Opportunities for networking and building supportive peer-to-peer relationships;

• Formal recognition of your commitment to education as you advance in your career.

Earning a Certificate will:

• Give you the leadership skills and specialized knowledge you need to build your program and face the increased demands of the growing elderly population;

• Give your program a competitive advantage by equipping you with tools to raise more money, operate more efficiently and anticipate changes in the senior nutrition sector.

The Curriculum

Leadership skills are critical in all fields and professional tracks.  The Academy’s Certificate program curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the diverse body of professionals who work for Senior Nutrition Programs.  We offer courses and programs that strengthen experienced leaders and support the growth of a new generation of knowledgeable, skilled and well-rounded Meals On Wheels professionals.

Certificate program enrollees can custom-tailor much of their course selection to meet their specific continuing education and professional development needs, while gaining a broader knowledge of the senior nutrition field.

Enrollment

When you enroll in the Certificate Program, we will begin tracking the credits you earn through Meals On Wheels Leadership Academy Programs.  Anyone is eligible to enroll in the Academy Certificate program by completing an Application for Admission to the Certificate Program Form and paying a non-refundable application fee of $25.

Levels of Achievement

Through the Certificate Program, the Academy recognizes two branches of professional development:

Certificate in Leadership – The completion of this 14-credit program demonstrates a general knowledge of the issues most critical to Senior Nutrition Program operations, and your dedication and commitment to further developing yourself as a leader. 

Those enrolled in the Leadership Certificate program may designate a “concentration” and focus their studies on a specific track (such as nutrition or development/fundraising). Additionally, in meeting the Certificate program’s Key Competency requirements, participants will develop key leadership skills that will help them be effective communicators, strategists and relationship builders in any professional capacity.  

Specialist Certificate – The Specialist Certificate recognizes the completion of an intensive training program, focused on building specific knowledge in a single topic area or “track.”  Specialist Certificates are awarded upon the completion of a Live Training Institute and in recognition of the continuing education achievements of Leadership Certificate program graduates. 

Requirements for the Certificate in Leadership

A true leader in the senior nutrition field, regardless of his or her professional title, needs a broad understanding of how to build effective relationships and manage efficient program operations.

To earn a Leadership Certificate:

• Enrollment: You must be formally enrolled in the Academy, including:

  • Submitting an Application for Admission to the Certificate Program

  • Paying a one-time $25 enrollment fee (The one-time enrollment fee covers the administrative costs of tracking your credits earned. MOWAA Members only need to enroll once.)

• Credit Hours: You must complete a minimum of 14 credits hours.

  • Three (3) of these credits must be earned in an intensive three-hour workshop.  Intensive workshops are not available via webinar.

  • The remaining 11 credits may be earned through any combination of webinars, live institutes or Conference courses.

• Key Competencies: You must complete a minimum of six (6) credit hours in courses that build your general leadership skills and understanding.

  • You must complete one course in each of six Key Competency categories: 

    • Competency 1: Planning for the Future

    • Competency 2: Relationship Building

    • Competency 3: Organizational Planning

    • Competency 4: Fiscal Responsibility

    • Competency 5: Foodservice Knowledge

    • Competency 6: Revenue Development

• Optional Concentrations:  For the remaining eight (8) credit hours, you should select courses that meet your personal continuing education needs.

  • If you complete all eight (8) remaining credit hours within a single track, you will receive a special “Concentration” designation on your Certificate, recognizing this in-depth educational focus (e.g., a Certificate in Leadership with a Concentration in Development).

  • Concentrations are optional – you are welcome to distribute the remaining eight (8) credit hours among several tracks.

Requirements for the Specialist Certificate

This Certificate recognizes the completion of coursework focused on a single, specific topic.  There are two ways to earn a Specialist Certificate:

• Completion of a Live Institute – Academy enrollees who complete an intensive one-, two- or three-day live institute will earn a Specialist Certificate, recognizing this in-depth training.

  • There are several Institutes held throughout the year, covering a variety of tracks.  If a live institute confers a Specialist Certificate, the type of Certificate will be noted in the course description (e.g., Specialist Certificate in Basic Financial Management).

• Continuing Education for Leadership Certificate Graduates – Graduates of the Leadership Certificate program who earn an additional eight (8) credit hours within a single track will be awarded a Specialist Certificate recognizing this achievement.