The Certification Program is designed to:

1. Develop structured leadership thinking
2. Strengthen civic responsibility and 21st century skills.
3. Enable participants to identify and solve real community problems
4. Build planning, documentation, and implementation skills
5. Provide a measurable social impact portfolio
6. Encourage leadership through action rather than theory

Participants move beyond “volunteering participation” to “leadership ownership.”

The certification is self-paced, with a minimum recommended duration of one month and a maximum completion window of three months. The commitment contribution for participation is ₹999. Participants receive a structured workbook and follow the five-phase leadership framework while designing and implementing an initiative in their own community. Optional weekly mentorship support will be available during the first month to guide planning and execution. Upon completion, participants submit documentation for review and certification.

Unlike traditional leadership courses focused on theory, this certification:

1. Is action-based
2. Is community-driven
3. Is flexible yet structured
4. Requires measurable implementation
5. Builds real, documented impact

Participants become leaders in their own local ecosystems rather than classroom learners.

The certification follows a structured workbook-based leadership model adapted from the organisation’s internship framework 

1. Phase 1 (Choose): Participants identify a community and recognise a relevant issue requiring intervention.
2. Phase 2 (Understand): Participants engage stakeholders, study root causes, and understand the issue deeply.
3. Phase 3 (Plan): Participants develop a structured action plan, and prepare an implementation timeline.
4. Phase 4 (Act): Participants implement a small-scale community initiative and monitor progress.
5. Phase 5 (Reflect): Participants document outcomes, analyse their learning, and evaluate impact.

Throughout the certification, participants receive:

1. Certification Workbook: A comprehensive workbook providing step-by-step guidance from identifying a problem to documenting impact.
2. Mentorship Support: Guidance and review support during the implementation phase.
3. Social Opportunities: Regular updates about volunteering, internships, fellowships, and leadership programs offered by national, international, and UN-related organisations.
4. Networking Access: Participants join the Captains Volunteer Network, connecting with youth leaders across India.
5. Volunteer T-Shirt: Provided after successfully organising and documenting a community initiative.
6. Official Certification: Upon successful completion, participants are awarded a Certification in Youth Leadership & Community Action.
7. Recognition: Outstanding initiatives may receive recognition badges and be featured on organisational platforms.

This certification strengthens academic and professional profiles through structured implementation.

1. Resume Building: Participants gain demonstrable experience in project ownership, initiative-taking, community engagement, documentation, and leadership execution.
2. Career Readiness: Participants develop essential professional competencies such as communication, stakeholder engagement, planning, and problem-solving — valued in NGOs, CSR roles, corporate leadership pathways, and fellowship applications.
3. Skill Development: The program builds confidence, critical thinking, empathy, civic responsibility, and initiative-driven action.

Participants transition from passive volunteers to proactive leaders.

The Certification Program in Youth Leadership & Community Action is more than a course; it is a structured platform to build leadership capacity and create measurable impact. Participants will:

1. Develop 21st-Century Skills: Participants build essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, leadership, adaptability, and decision-making. These competencies are highly valued across both the social and corporate sectors.
2. Address the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Through community-based initiatives, participants contribute toward solving real-world challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This strengthens their understanding of global development frameworks while acting locally.
3. Build a Strong Social & Professional Profile: Instead of simply completing fieldwork hours, participants design and implement a measurable community initiative. This allows them to build a strong social impact portfolio that can be highlighted in resumes, LinkedIn profiles, fellowship applications, and interviews.
4. Gain Practical Leadership Experience: Participants take ownership of a project from idea to execution. This develops confidence, accountability, and the ability to manage stakeholders and resources effectively.
5. Strengthen Career Pathways in the Social Sector: The certification program prepares participants for careers in NGOs, CSR roles, development organisations, policy research, government programmes, and social entrepreneurship. It also supports applications for fellowships and higher education programmes in social development.
6. Create Long-Term Impact Beyond the Certification: Students become part of a larger volunteer network, gaining continued access to leadership opportunities, mentorship, and national and international engagement platforms.

We welcome passionate and committed young people to join the Certification Program in Youth Leadership & Community Action. This program is designed for individuals who are ready to move beyond participation and take ownership of meaningful change in their communities. If you are ready to lead with purpose, build measurable impact, and strengthen your academic and professional profile, this certification can be your starting point.

To learn more or register, please contact us at info@captains.ngo or +919496170125