Positive youth development occurs from an intentional process that promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, relationships, and the support to fully participate. Youth development takes place in families, peer groups, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.
The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of 21 federal departments and agencies that support youth, created the following definition of positive youth development (PYD):
PYD is an intentional, prosocial approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances young people’s strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive youth relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.
4-H Study on Positive Youth Development
The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a longitudinal study that began in 2002 and was repeated annually for eight years, surveying more than 7,000 adolescents from diverse backgrounds across 42 states. The study found that youth who participate in 4-H are:
- nearly 4 times more likely to make contributions to their communities.
- about 2 times more likely to be civically active.
- nearly 2 times more likely to participate in science programs during out-of-school time.
- 2 times more likely to make healthier choices.