What is Youth Development?

Youth Development is an ongoing process by which all young people seek ways to meet their basic physical and social needs and to build the competencies (knowledge and skills) necessary to succeed in adolescence and adulthood.

Youth Development Assertions:

Problem free is not fully prepared. Preventing high risk behaviors, even if achieved, is not the same as helping young people prepare for the future. Preparation requires an equal commitment to helping youth understand life's challenges and responsibilities and to giving each youth the necessary skills for success.

Preventing problems does not necessarily promote development and is usually not enough to fully prepare youth for adulthood. A young person's not getting pregnant, using drugs, or joining a gang does not mean that person has the skills, knowledge, or personal attributes to "make it."

Youth Development (such as working towards developmental outcomes) is the best strategy for problem prevention. Striving for more positive goals that promote development often gives youth the skills and motivation they need to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Youth Development is the best strategy for achievement. Striving for more positive goals that promote development often gives youth the skills and motivation they need to achieve milestones, such as high school graduation and employment.

The goal is not to fix youth, but to develop them. Adults often work from a deficit or problem prevention mode. The result is that young people get clearer messages about what they should not do, think or become than what they should do.

(source: AED/Center for Youth Development and Policy Research)