In Southwest Michigan, YFC is partnering with Bethel University to offer BU@YFC, a program designed to foster the next generation of ministry leaders. Based at local chapters throughout the United States, BU@YFC offers a virtual college campus that’s passionate about discipling students for God’s calling through practical education and community engagement. Bethel University is a widely respected private university with Christian roots that offers over 50 areas of study in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This innovative collaboration provides opportunities for YFC’s young leaders to achieve a college degree at a discounted rate, opening doors for some students who previously could not afford the luxury of higher education.
According to YFC Southwest Michigan Executive Director Chad VanDosen, “The best future leaders are the students in our backyard. We have to be intentional in developing young leaders who already have a passion for where they’re living, for where they’re going to school.”
Students who join YFC’s staff or volunteer ranks are qualified to enroll in the program. Through this partnership, interns, staff and volunteers serving with YFC are able to earn a college degree while continuing to stay involved with YFC’s various ministries and outreaches. Students can even apply their experience with the organization as college credit in the program. For YFC, this online program allows students to pursue a college degree while staying connected with local mentors and engaging the next generation.
Two such students are Branson Hernandez and Rylie Miller.
Branson Hernandez, Campus Life Director of YFC Southwest Michigan Burr Oak, commented, “God has provided for me, even when I was not searching or seeking for whatever He’s given. Going into college, He provided me with this opportunity to be a part of YFC, even when I wasn’t really looking for it. I was trying to figure out when I would be able to graduate college. I wondered what I was going to do for a job. And God provided this opportunity for a full-time position at YFC.”
For Rylie Miller, YFC Southwest Michigan Office Manager, YFC has given her an up-close look at the issues facing Generations Z and Alpha.
Miller commented, “Something I am seeing is how much kids struggle with mental health. Whatever they are dealing with, they tend to laugh it off and make it a joke, masking their deep hurts with humor. They don’t want those around them to see that they’re struggling, because they’re ‘too cool.’”
VanDosen added, “We are seeing the need for trusted adults. Only about 50% of kids have a real-life flesh and blood role model that they look up to in their lives. Everybody else either doesn’t have one, or it’s a fake character like Superman. We have over 40 volunteers and ministry leaders every single week in our different sites who are real-life role models and trusted adults who these young people can look up to. I’m excited that we get to step into that space and be there for these young people who are crazy and fun. But they’re also looking to be seen and heard, and we’re giving them the space to do that.
Hernandez shared, “Joining YFC’s BU@YFC program has been really rewarding for me, because I get my college credits at a much cheaper cost, while obtaining my degree. I’m also getting hands-on experience, working on the front lines with students and engaging with YFC staff. It’s been a great experience.”
VanDosen said, “We want to intentionally seek out and develop people just like Rylie and Branson —students who have a heart for the Lord and a heart for lost kids and give them the tools and the space to walk out the calling that God has placed on them.”