Youth Development…

• Is a process that prepares young people to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a coordinated, progressive series of activities and experiences which help them to become socially, morally, emotionally, physically and cognitively competent. It addresses the broader developmental needs of youth, in contrast to deficit-based models, which focus solely on youth problems.

• Refers to an ongoing growth process in which all youths endeavor to meet their basic needs for safety, caring relationships and connections to the larger community, while also striving to build academic, vocational, personal and social skills.

• Strives to help young people develop the inner resources and skills they need to cope with pressures that might lead to unhealthy and antisocial behaviors. Prevention of undesirable behaviors is one outcome of positive youth development, but there are others including the production of self-reliant, self-confident, adults who can become responsible members of society.