scholarly journals Capturing Youth Voice to Assess Learning in Urban Youth Development Programs

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 108-117
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Skuza ◽  
Jessica P. Russo
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Urban Youth ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Program Planning ◽  
Youth Programs ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Youth Voice ◽  
One Year

This article describes a two-part evaluation method that was designed to assess the nature of the learning experiences and the learning environments in urban youth programs by capturing the often absent voice of youth. It also presents evaluation results after delivering educational youth programs in an urban setting for one year. While youth across five program sites indicated their programs had strong program planning and delivery that provided intentional learning environments, the most common challenge across programs was a need for improved participation of both youth and adults. The evaluation findings convey the perspectives of young people on their experience as learners in youth programs. Practitioners may use such data in future planning as they employ strategies to improve the overall quality of their programs.

scholarly journals Positive Youth Development: Processes, Programs, and Problematics

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 38-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Lerner ◽  
Jacqueline V. Lerner ◽  
Selva Lewin-Bizan ◽  
Edmond P. Bowers ◽  
Michelle J. Boyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Youth Development ◽  
Positive Youth Development ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Youth Programs ◽  
Positive Development ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Youth Development Programs ◽  
Development Processes ◽  
Diverse Youth

Using the tripartite conception of positive youth development (PYD) suggested by Hamilton (1999) – as a developmental process, a philosophy or approach to youth programming, and as instances of youth programs and organizations focused on fostering the healthy or positive development of youth – we review different theoretical models of the developmental process involved in PYD. In addition, we review the ideas for and the features of youth development programs aimed at promoting PYD. We discuss the need for research interrelating different, theoretically-predicated measures of PYD and, as well, the importance of clear links between models of the PYD developmental process and of the youth development programs seeking to enhance PYD among diverse youth. We discuss several conceptual and practical problematics that must be addressed in order to integrate the three facets of PYD scholarship.

scholarly journals Editorial

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Kathryn Seymour
Keyword(s):  
Youth Development ◽  
Youth Programs ◽  
Positive Development ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Unique Approach ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
Independent Practitioner

This special issue of the Queensland Review is devoted to exploring the conceptual and practical implications of bold new Queensland research on youth development programs that has genuine global relevance. The articles in this issue, from leading and emerging Australian and international scholars and practitioners, explore and unfold the different dimensions of this Queensland research for an Australian and global audience of youth researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and general readers. By bringing scholars together with paid and volunteer practitioners to contribute to this special issue, Queensland Review takes a unique approach to exploring youth programs. The independent practitioner voice — especially the volunteer practitioner voice — is largely absent from the scholarly forum, and this issue brings aspects of practitioners’ anecdotal and evidential work to the fore. The articles enable practitioners to share with us how they experience and understand their work with young people, other practitioners and communities. Overall, the scholarly and practitioner contributors to this issue of Queensland Review explore key questions and challenges inherent in the work adults do with children and young adults in youth programs designed to foster their positive development.

scholarly journals America’s Moment: Investing in Positive Youth Development to Transform Youth and Society

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 16-36
Author(s):  
Mary E. Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Youth Development ◽  
Positive Youth Development ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Equitable Access ◽  
Youth Voice ◽  
Youth Development Programs ◽  
National Crisis ◽  
Thought Leader ◽  
Educational Engagement ◽  
Civil Discourse

As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, America’s youth are suffering in unprecedented ways as their journey to adulthood is interrupted by multiple societal effects. This thought leader piece explores the power of positive youth development in a time of national crisis. The paper outlines the effects of COVID‑19 on youths’ mental health, educational engagement, and workforce opportunities, all of which have been profoundly affected by the pandemic. The paper makes the case for increasing investment in positive youth development programs and people and highlights key areas where such programs can help support and transform youth, and in-turn society writ large. These areas include increasing equitable access to youth development programs, addressing gaps in opportunities for youth, creating a workforce pipeline, elevating youth voice, and promoting civil discourse and engagement. 

scholarly journals Supporting Volunteerism in Youth Development Programs: Progress and Prospects for Advancing the Knowledge Base

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 206-216
Author(s):  
David L. DuBois
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Translational Research ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Youth Programs ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Youth Development Programs ◽  
Large Segment ◽  
Solid Foundation

Volunteers are essential to the viability of a large segment of youth development programs. Yet, research on this topic has been relatively limited and it has not thus far congealed into a cohesive area of study. The contributions to this special issue advance our understanding of a number of important issues having to do with volunteerism in youth programs and provide a solid foundation for catalyzing both the further generation of knowledge in this area and its practical application. One priority should be to more rigorously establish and delineate suggested connections among program practices, volunteer skill development, behaviors, and experiences, and the outcomes of participating youth. There also is a need to substantially broaden the scope of programs studied in order to clarify both areas of generalizability and dynamics that may vary as a function of volunteer contexts and roles. Finally, as the knowledge base matures, translational research is needed to apply this knowledge to the design of supports for volunteerism in youth development programs and to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies.

A Review of Positive Youth Development Programs That Promote Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

2010 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. S75-S91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loretta E. Gavin ◽  
Richard F. Catalano ◽  
Corinne David-Ferdon ◽  
Kari M. Gloppen ◽  
Christine M. Markham
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Positive Youth Development ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Youth Development Programs
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