Positive Youth Development

Positive youth development generally refers to a focus on the developmental characteristics which lead to positive behaviors and outcomes among young people. Positive youth development is a cornerstone of the 4-H program.

Positive youth development occurs through an intentional process that provides opportunities, choices, relationships, and the support necessary for youth to fully reach their potential.

4-H's unique role in youth development is based upon scientifically valid research. We analyze and document our efforts to demonstrate an impact on youth and then disseminate our findings to further the field of youth development. We use this scientific base to anticipate problems and develop practical solutions in the communities we serve.

A primary element of the 4-H mission is advancing the field of youth development. Youth development as a field of scientific inquiry is fairly new; the research is constantly and quickly growing. The program practices of 4-H are based on past and current research which includes Targeting Life Skills, Assets, Essential Elements, The Five C’s, and Community Action Framework. These frameworks of youth development are fully described in Heck & Subramaniam, “Youth Development Frameworks” (see link below).

Thrive Initiative

As a natural progression and evolution of the body of knowledge in youth development, California 4-H Youth Development and the Thrive Foundation for Youth have entered a partnership to increase the thriving behaviors of 4-H youth. Over the next five years (2010-2014), California 4-H staff, volunteers and youth will be incorporating the Step-It-Up-2-Thrive process that will ultimately add to the body of knowledge and practices of positive youth development.

Read more about the California 4-H Thrive Initiative

Positive Youth Development Resources:

Heck, K.E., & Subramaniam, A. "Youth Development Frameworks" found at: Youth Development Frameworks
Catalano, et al. (1998). "Positive Youth Development in the United States." Social Development Research Group University of Washington School of Social Work Seattle, Washington.
Zarrett and Lerner. (2008). "Ways to Promote The Positive Development of Children and Youth." (Child Trends: Research to Results Brief No. 11). Washington, D.C.