What is Youth Development?

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

Youth development also is an approach to working with young people that intentionally helps them meet developmental needs, builds their capacity and provides relationships and connections needed for their success.

Five key supports and opportunities that contribute to positive developmental outcomes are:

• Access to emotionally and physically safe environments
• Caring, healthy relationships
• Opportunities to participate
• Opportunities to contribute and know the community
• Opportunities to build skills in engaging and challenging ways

The youth development approach is based on more than 40 years of research in the youth asset development and resiliency fields.

The above information was provided by the Youth Development Network.

Get Youth Development Resources on the REACH Web site.