Positive Youth Development

Recently, Karen Pittman spoke with Cheri Hoffman, who chairs the working group and also directs the Division of Children and Youth Policy for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the Department of Health and Human Services. The conversation explored how the working group helps federal agencies approach positive youth development and emerging ways that the working group is tackling its mission. On this page you’ll find selected excerpts of the session along with the full recording, an interactive transcript, the slide presentation, and further resources.

Promoting Positive Adolescent Health Behaviors and Outcomes: Thriving in the 21st Century identifies key program factors that can improve health outcomes related to adolescent behavior and provides evidence-based recommendations toward effective implementation of federal programming initiatives. This study explores normative adolescent development, the current landscape of adolescent risk behavior, core components of effective programs focused on optimal health, and recommendations for research, programs, and policies.

This website is a virtual platform for young people, between the ages of 15 and 35, who want to make positive change in their communities. It provides opportunities to connect with like-minded networks of young people, mentors, as well as resources and events. 

This webpage provides a definition of positive youth development, information on the eight key practices organizations can consider when implementing the approach, and resources communities or programs can use to incorporate positive youth development into their work.