Developmental Assets for Youth

Search Institute's 40 developmental assets are concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people. These assets have the power during critical adolescent years to influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults.

The developmental asset framework is categorized into two groups of 20 assets.

External assets are the positive experiences young people receive from the world around them. These 20 assets are about supporting and empowering young people, about setting boundaries and expectations, and about positive and constructive use of young people's time. External assets identify important roles that families, schools, congregations, neighborhoods, and youth organizations can play in promoting healthy development.

The twenty internal assets identify those characteristics and behaviors that reflect positive internal growth and development of young people. These assets are about positive values and identities, social competencies, and commitment to learning. The internal developmental assets will help these young people make thoughtful and positive choices and, in turn, be better prepared for situations in life that challenge their inner strength and confidence.

Why Are Developmental Assets Important?

The framework of developmental assets is grounded in extensive research on child and adolescent development, resiliency, health promotion, prevention, and public health. Numerous researchers have found that these kinds of positive resources provide key sources of strength for children and youth.

In addition, through surveys of almost 2 million young people since 1990 from all types of communities and all cultural groups, Search Institute consistently finds that the more assets young people have the better.

The more assets young people have, the more likely they will grow up to be caring, competent, responsible young people. The more assets young people have, the better their chances for contributing to their society and finding a meaningful purpose in life. On average, young people with more assets:

• Engage in fewer negative, high-risk behaviors, such as using drugs and alcohol, being violent, and having premarital sex.
• Exhibit more positive, or thriving, behaviors, such as succeeding in school, exhibiting leadership qualities, and valuing diversity.
• Being resilient in the face of challenges, stresses, and difficult situations.

The challenge we face is that, according to the most current Search Institute research, the average young person surveyed has about 19 of the 40 assets. Furthermore, only 9 percent of the youth surveyed experiences at least 31 of the 40 assets.

Through its many programs, the Santa Anita Family YMCA provides safe places, caring adults and positive activities to help build caring, responsible, healthy and successful people...of all ages.

40 Developmental Assets
What kids need to succeed: The Asset Approach
50 Ways to Show You Care

Asset Development Tips for Parents

Click here for the current "Ideas for Parents" to build assets for and with Your child. If you missed any issues of "Ideas for Parents," download back issues here.

For further information on the Asset Development Framework, please visit:

Search Institute: www.search-institute.org
The Abundant Assets Alliance: www.abundantassets.org