Youth Development
We at YouthPower believe that young people are at the heart of solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. That’s why we’re dedicated to strengthening systems in communities to achieve sustainable outcomes in health, education, and political and economic empowerment. By helping young people pursue their aspirations, we empower them to contribute to, and benefit from, the creation of more peaceful and prosperous communities.
Promoting positive youth development (PYD)
YouthPower promotes a shared understanding of positive youth development (PYD) whereby young people are empowered to reach their full potential. PYD transitions away from problem-focused responses to youth crises, to proactively building skills, fostering healthy relationships, transforming systems, and making youth an active partner in development efforts.
Advancing youth development
YouthPower improves the ability of youth-led and youth-serving institutions to design, implement, and assess the programs and policies that impact young people. Using lessons from our own research and knowledge sharing, we support the scale-up of sustainable youth programs, within and across multiple sectors. We do this to equip young people to actively engage in the development of their communities.
Creating a learning network
YouthPower’s Learning Network connects youth-serving initiatives, community-based organizations, international donors, academics, and government entities engaged in improving the knowledge, skills, practices, and partnerships around positive youth development. Together we are united in our aim to support the transition of young people into healthy, productive adults.
Providing evidence, evaluation, and technical guidance
YouthPower conducts research, evaluates innovative youth programs, and disseminates information to expand the knowledge base on what does – and does not – work in youth development. By compiling and sharing resources that take an evidence-based approach, we provide practitioners and researchers with the necessary tools to continuously improve the effectiveness of youth development practices.
There are more than 1,500 Builders Clubs in middle schools around the world. No two are alike. Each club is an independent entity-designed for its members, by its members. They work together to improve their schools and their communities. Their service also increases the visibility and enhances the reputation of both the club and the school or organization they represent. The program is designed to fit member and volunteer interests.
It’s student-led.
Builders Club is uniquely built on an important principle: Amazing things happen when the students take the lead.
It’s age-appropriate.
The program and its resources are designed specifically to help middle school students get the most of of the club experience.
Your needs matter.
Each club determines its own meeting schedule, service projects and other activities in order to fit the needs of advisors, members and sponsors.
You’re not alone.
Adult Kiwanis volunteers and staff at the regional and international levels are there to support your club’s success.
YU LEAD (Leadership Excellence and Development) is a one-year leadership program that prepares a team of YU members who have overcome significant challenges to become community leaders by turning their passion for community advocacy into a career. By combining intensive leadership trainings and community enhancing group projects, YU LEAD prepares youth to be change agents, while ensuring that they are fully prepared for college or full-time work.
YU LEAD represents the youth perspectives in program development and facilitation, opportunities to organize youth events, and community engagement strategies. Participants also receive extensive training to carry the voice of youth in public policy and planning processes.
Youth Will’s mission is to fight for every young person to have everything they need to be happy, healthy, and prepared to reach their full potential.
ME to WE empowers people to change the world through their everyday consumer choices. ME to WE is part of WE which empowers people to change the world. WE invite you to join a community of people who are making the world a better place.
The mission of Career Girls is for all girls to reach their full potential and discover their own path to empowerment through access to inspiring career role models and supportive girl-centric curriculum.
CareerGirls.org is a video-based career exploration tool for girls, with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers. It’s free to use and free of commercials. Our collection includes over 7,000 video clips featuring more than 400 women role models. These successful women work in different careers—ranging from astronaut to musician to veterinarian—all over the United States.
Since 1999, the DC Trust, formerly known as the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation, has been proud to work in partnership government, nonprofit, and advocacy groups to create big solutions to the most pressing needs of the city’s youth.
10 Team-Building Games for a Friendlier Classroom is a fantastic free resource for developing relationships and a positive tone in the classroom.
RHYTTAC’s resource library with various information sheets, tips, guides and more for educators, families, and runaway and homeless youth. All resources cover topics spanning from positive youth Development, best practices in LGBTQ homeless youth, and more.
Girls Inc. focus is on the development of the whole girl and advocates for legislation and policies to increase opportunities and rights for all girls.
Volunteers of America provides people across the country with volunteer opportunities locally.
This report looks at programs that have proven to be effective for youth development and employment. Through these summaries, the American Youth Policy Forum hopes to give youth professionals and policymakers an understanding of the principles and characteristics of successful youth development programs so that they may be replicated.