Community Development Work

Centennial College’s Community Development Work diploma is a two-year program designed to prepare students to collaborate with diverse communities and contribute to meaningful social change. Through a combination of classroom learning, interactive workshops, and applied experiences, students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to support community initiatives and address complex social issues. The program emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, equipping graduates to work effectively with individuals, groups, and organizations in a wide range of community settings.

Students explore key areas such as community engagement, social policy, equity and inclusion, advocacy, program planning, and participatory research, while also examining sustainable and economic development within communities. A significant component of the program is field placement, where students gain hands-on experience with community organizations, non-profits, advocacy groups, and municipal agencies under professional supervision. Throughout the program, learners build competencies in leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, and ethical practice, while developing the ability to design, implement, and evaluate programs that respond to community needs and promote social equity.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.

What You’ll Learn

• Build skills in community engagement, advocacy, and program planning to support positive social change.
• Learn to apply equity, inclusion, and social policy frameworks when working with diverse and multicultural communities.
• Develop leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, and networking skills for effective community collaboration.
• Gain hands-on experience designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based programs through field placements.