Teens Starting Nonprofits Self-Paced Course
In this 6 week course, high school students learn how to use their research, communication, and critical thinking skills to create a business plan to start their own non-profit organization.
Teacher Kim B.
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(34)
What's included
6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1-2 hours per week. Scholars will complete assignments that help them plan for their own nonprofit organization.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
What Will Be Taught? In this course, students will learn the essential steps to start their own nonprofit organization. They'll gain a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit structures, community impact, and the skills needed to bring their passion for helping others into action. By the end of the course, students will have a mission statement, goals, and a basic business plan for their nonprofit. What Topics Will You Cover? The course includes these key topics: Nonprofit Basics: Understanding what nonprofits are and how they differ from businesses. Community Needs Assessment: Learning to identify and prioritize issues through research and surveys. Vision Development: Crafting a mission statement, goals, and branding for a nonprofit. Business Planning: Drafting a simplified business plan, including budgeting and fundraising strategies. Launch Planning: Preparing for a nonprofit's launch and creating an action plan for success. How Is the Class Structured? This self-paced course consists of six lessons delivered over six weeks. Each week includes a combination of videos, workbook activities, and discussion prompts. Students will complete assignments at their own pace, culminating in a presentation of their nonprofit idea. How Will You Teach? Students will engage with a variety of tools and resources to ensure an interactive and engaging learning experience: Videos: Short lessons explaining key concepts and real-world examples. Workbook Activities: Hands-on tasks to help students organize and refine their ideas. Writing Prompts: Creative and reflective exercises to deepen understanding. Discussions: Opportunities to share ideas, ask questions, and get feedback from both the instructor and peers. What’s my Teaching Style? My teaching style is highly interactive and encourages hands-on learning. I believe in empowering students to use their creativity and critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems. Service learning—where students actively contribute to their communities—is a core passion of mine, and I incorporate it into this course wherever possible. How Much Will Learners Get to Interact With You? Learners will have multiple opportunities to engage directly with me throughout the course: Weekly Video Lessons: I’ll guide students through key topics with examples and practical advice. Discussions: Students can participate in live or written discussions to share ideas and ask questions. Feedback: I’ll provide individualized feedback on workbook activities and assignments. Final Presentations: During the final week, students will present their nonprofit ideas and receive my guidance and constructive feedback.
Learning Goals
Understand the Structure and Purpose of Nonprofits - Students will learn how nonprofits operate, including their unique organizational structures, tax-exempt status, and how they differ from for-profit businesses.Develop Research and Planning Skills - Students will conduct needs assessments using surveys and interviews, analyze community challenges, and create a mission statement and business plan for their nonprofit idea.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
What is a Nonprofit?
In this lesson, students will learn what a nonprofit is, how it differs from for-profit organizations, and explore examples of successful nonprofits. 9 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Understanding Your Community
In this lesson, students will identify community challenges, learn about needs assessments, and determine key stakeholders, such as beneficiaries, volunteers, and donors. Lesson 3:
Needs Assessments: Conducting Surveys and Interviews
In this lesson, students will practice designing surveys and interview questions to gather information about community needs. Lesson 4:
Needs Assessments: Analyzing and Prioritizing Needs
In this lesson, students will analyze data from surveys and interviews to determine the most pressing needs their nonprofit will address. 1 assignment
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined December, 2020
4.8
34reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Arizona Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I am a certified teacher and service-learning coordinator with over 20 years of experience in education. My career has been dedicated to empowering young people to solve real-world problems through service learning and project-based education.
As an AmeriCorps member, I worked closely with multiple nonprofits, focusing on capacity building, strategic planning, and community engagement. This experience gave me firsthand knowledge of the challenges and rewards of running a nonprofit organization.
In my teaching career, I have guided students in developing leadership, research, and problem-solving skills by creating meaningful service projects tied to academic standards. I have taught children and teens in classroom settings, community programs, and after-school workshops, helping them turn their passions into impactful actions.
My goal in this course is to inspire and equip students with the tools they need to make a difference while fostering creativity, empathy, and practical skills. Families can trust that I bring a deep understanding of both the nonprofit sector and the developmental needs of young learners to every lesson.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$7
weekly or $39 for all content6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 13-18
