The Animal Protective Association is taking its humane education program to a higher level…of education, that is.
This month, the APA begins its second semester as a partner in the new Animal Welfare Assistant Certificate Program at St. Louis Community College. This popular program brings together local animal welfare organizations and animal-loving students to introduce major topics in the field and potentially prepare students for their future careers.
Alongside instructors from the Humane Society of Missouri and St. Louis County Animal Care & Control, the APA’s Humane Education Coordinator, Michelle Kodner, will familiarize students with subjects such as the history of the humane movement, differences in animal welfare philosophies, animal care basics, and issues surrounding investigations, rescues and legislation. The six classes can be taken individually or as a full program in order to earn the Animal Welfare Assistant Certificate, which may qualify students for priority employment placement at one of the three agencies.
The APA is also excited to be part of this truly innovative and unique collaboration that brings together different types of animal welfare agencies to educate students about our field. This collective effort shows the power of partnerships in making a big difference in our community. No certificate program for this training exists outside of veterinary-specific programs at vocational schools, and St. Louis Community College as well as the animal welfare organizations involved are thrilled by how well the program is being received.
Both semesters of the program filled up within days, and dozens of students put their names on waiting lists to get into the classes. The demand is so high the college has added additional sections to the summer schedule in order to accommodate all interested students. We’re honored to be participating as an agency in a program with such great potential to change the animal welfare landscape in our area. While classes for the current semester are full, you can learn more about the summer offerings later this spring at www.stlcc.edu/ce or by calling (314) 984-7777 to request a brochure.