| Keys to Quality Youth Development |
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"Hands-on activities, appropriate adult mentors and
community service ..."
Youth development, the process of growing up and developing one’s capacities, happens no matter what we do. The challenge is to promote positive youth development and plan quality experiences with young people.
It would be nice if there was a drive-through window where you could order the positive aspects of youth development when planning a program. But it takes active involvement and careful planning to fill the order. KEYS to Quality Youth Development encourages you to plan and prepare a complete menu for positive youth development.
This guide is a working tool to stimulate, challenge, and encourage youth and adults as they work together to plan, conduct, and evaluate quality experiences. Whether you are a parent, teacher, volunteer, youth development professional, or teenager, this planning guide will help you work with youth. How you choose to use it will depend on the situation and the desired outcomes.
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| "This piece of work has changed the way I approach teaching." |
| - fifth grade teacher |
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"Positive spin on the value of
youth." |
| - extension educator |
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| "Documented what effective adult mentors for youth had felt all along, but gave it a research base." |
| - youth leader |
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Learning experiences are more powerful when tied to one or more of the keys of positive youth development. Carefully look at the time you spend with young people. Are you reinforcing these keys? Are you helping the young people build developmental assets? How can you strengthen these experiences? Use the KEYS to Quality Youth Development in the design, delivery, and evaluation of your positive youth development programs.
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| The Eight Keys: |
| Gisela Konopka (1973) and Karen Pittman (1991) identified critical elements essential to the healthy development of young people. Youth and adults will benefit from experiences providing some or all of these elements. |
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| In This Guide, The Discussion of Each Key Includes: |
Premise -- Meaning and importance of the element
Building a Foundation -- Developmental assets that form a foundation for healthy young people
Selecting Outcomes -- Examples of desired results
Identifying Practices -- Sample techniques and strategies
How It Works -- A real-life example we’ve encountered
Things to Think About -- Common-sense tips to consider
Words of Wisdom -- Thoughtful insights from youth and adults
Questions for Youth -- Follow-up discussion questions
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| "It just plain made sense." |
| - teen volunteer |
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| "Good asset building tool for youth and adults working together." |
| - volunteer leader |
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| "It soon became apparent to the young adults I was teaching that I cared more about them than my lesson. The result is that they are more willing to share with me." |
| - nutrition education assistant |
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Key For Kids |
| Security |
"I feel safe." |
| feel physically and emotionally safe |
| Belonging |
"I'm in." |
| experience belonging and ownership |
| Acceptance |
"What I say and do counts." |
| I like to try new things. |
| Independence |
"I like to try new things." |
| discover self |
| Relationships |
"I care about others." |
| devolop quality relationships with peers and adults |
| Values |
"I believe...." |
| discuss conflicting values and formulate their own |
| Achievement |
"I can do it." |
| feel the pride and accountability that come with mastery |
| Recognition |
"I feel special." |
| expand their capacity to enjoy life and know that success is possible |
"Keys for Kids." Adapted from the publication Training Trainers to Teach, and is used with permission from the National 4-H Council |
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Copyright ©
1999 Regents of the University of
Minnesota. All rights reserved.
Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of
Minnesota Extension.
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