Undergraduate students who want to play leadership roles in the nonprofit world may end up being confused as how to acquire the best mix of business and social skills for the job. American Humanics Inc., profiled by the Associated Press, has set up certification programs at colleges across the nation to help students turn themselves into the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

American Humanics -- started in 1948 to train young professionals for social service positions -- has expanded rapidly in the last few years, growing from 15 undergraduate programs in 1995 to 65 programs now. The organization's students are a prime source for filling entry-level professional positions at such national family and youth service groups as the YMCA and Habitat for Humanity, AP reports.

"There are specific skills and understanding that people need to be leaders of not-for-profits," Roxanne Spillett, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, told the AP. "They need to understand the mission and to have a deep belief and passion for it. But they also need skills not unlike those in business, such as budgeting, fundraising, board development, managing people."

In order to be certified through American Humanics, students have to complete courses at their institution, finish a minimum 300-hour internship and do several other related activities designed to apply business knowledge to nonprofits, AP reports.

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