The Association of Children’s Residential and Community Services (ACRC), in partnership with The Center for Youth Justice at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, and the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), is launching a Pathways to Organizational Excellence Certification.

The Pathways to Organizational Excellence Certification helps youth- and family-serving organizations strengthen their culture, improve teamwork, and build stronger connections with the communities they serve.

This year-long certification program supports organizations in becoming fair, community-centered, and responsive—so they can meet the real needs of their staff, youth, and families. Through hands-on training, personalized coaching, and practical tools, your team will learn how to make positive change that:

• Becomes part of your organization’s everyday culture
• Shows up in your policies, practices, and decision-making
• Lasts through leadership or administrative transitions

At the end of the 12 months, your team will complete a capstone project that demonstrates how your organization has put these principles into action.

Cost: $17,500

Commitment: At least two staff members must participate throughout the process.

By the end, your organization will be equipped with the knowledge, systems, and confidence to thrive—no matter what challenges arise.

Certification Objectives:

Certification Requirements:

1. Each organization must commit at least two staff to engaging in the certification process that will include coaching and training over a 12-month period
2. Each organization must complete a capstone project and presentation

Capstone Requirements:

Purpose: To demonstrate how the principles of organizational excellence have been embedded in the organization’s culture, policies, and practices to provide effective care that promotes health equity and improved outcomes for persons served. Components of the Capstone experience include:

• Project Proposal: Describes the capstone idea for review and approval by expert coaches
• Capstone Reflection Paper: Presents the problem the capstone project was designed to address, its significance to the community, identified goals of the intervention, and the plan for implementation, monitoring, and sustainability
• In-Person Presentation: Summarizes the overall project including the issue the project was designed to address, early successes, lessons learned, and a sustainability plan

Organizations will work with a coach to incorporate youth and family voice into their capstone project in a meaningful way.

Certification Timeline:

Application Requirements:

1. Submission of application – APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! 
2. Letter of commitment from organization’s chief executive supporting the investment and participation of the organization throughout the 12-month certification process

Key Dates:

• October 29, 2025 (1-2 pm ET): Information Session #1 & Application period opens
• November 18, 2025 (4-5 pm ET): Information Session #2
• December 12, 2025 (11 am-noon ET): Information Session #3
• January 31, 2026: Applications Due (first payment due)
• February 28, 2026: Organizations Notified (second/final payment due)
• March 3, 2026: Certification Program Launch
• March 2027: In-Person Event & Capstone Presentations

Pricing Information:

The cost for this certification is $17,500, which can be paid in two installments.

• • • • • $8,750* is due by January 31, 2026   (*refundable, minus a $50 fee)
        • $8,750 is due by February 28, 2026

If you have questions, contact Mark Nickell, Director of Strategic Initiatives, ACRC