We know from experience that programs designed to support the development of the whole child (body, mind, and spirit) keep kids engaged. Every day, thousands of Y kids receive academic support and enjoy choosing from a multitude of activities designed to support their development as artists, writers, dancers, chess players, legislators, scientists... contributing and valuable citizens of this amazing world we live in. Young people vote with their feet. If they don't like or value an Out-of-School-Time (OST) program, they won't attend. Even in our most at-risk communities, the Y's programs consistently maintain a 90% attendance rate.The places, opportunities, and relationships that young people experience in their families, schools, communities, youth programs and religious congregations provide the foundation on which youth develop.
If these settings support and stimulate development, as well as provide appropriate boundaries and limits, children and youth will most likely grow into healthy and productive adults. When youth don't experience positive, supportive relationships, places, and opportunities, the chances increase that they will get involved with unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and other drug use, school problems, and violence. The Y, in partnership with the Search Institute, believes that purposeful and intentional OST programs build assets in young people.
Traditionally, policy-makers, funders, and program planners have considered the role and impact of youth programs from a problem-focused perspective (ie.delinquency, teen pregnancy, etc.) The asset-building approach is grounded in the literature on "risk and resiliency". The Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development reports that participation in comprehensive youth development programs can lead to reduction in high-risk behaviors and promotion of pro-social behaviors.
The framework of developmental assets is grounded in extensive research on child and adolescent development, resiliency, health promotion, disease prevention and public health. Numerous researchers have found that assets provide strength for children and youth. In addition, through surveys of almost 2 million young people from all types of communities and cultures, Search Institute has found consistently that the more assets young people have the better.
For instance, the more assets young people have, the more likely they will grow up to be caring, competent, responsible adults. The more assets young people have, the better their chances for contributing to society and finding a meaningful purpose in life. On average, young people with more assets:
· Engage in fewer negative, high-risk behaviors, such as using drugs and alcohol or having premarital sex
· Exhibit more positive behaviors, such as succeeding in school, assuming leadership roles and valuing diversity
· Demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, stresses and difficult situations
The challenge that the Y and communities face is that, according to the most current Search Institute research, the average young person has about 19 of the 40 assets in his or her life. Our job is to continually refine what has been proven to work and continually look for ways to build upon successes to give these young people the support they need.
OST programs are an effective means of delivering this support.
Given our leadership in this effort and clear successes, the Y of Central Maryland is committed to deepening our investment in after school programming. In fact, increased after school programming is a centerpiece of our long term plan.
You too can be an asset builder! Each of us has the opportunity and responsibility to “grow” the next generation. Consider the many ways that you can intentionally reach out to young people. It can be as simple as addressing a young person by their name and engaging in conversation. Or go deeper…and volunteer in the Y’s Building Future’s mentoring program. For more information, call Michelle Cuebas at 410-728-0945.
Posted by Chris Ader-Soto, Senior Vice President of Family and Youth Asset Development, Y of Central Maryland
