Developmental Assets

40 Developmental Assets in English 40 Developmental Assets in Spanish Do you ever wonder why some kids seem to grow up with ease while others struggle? Are you surprised that some kids thrive in spite of difficult circumstances? The following developmental assets are essential to young people's success. They are opportunities, skills, relationships, values, and self-perceptions that all young people need in their lives. SUPPORTEMPOWERMENTBOUNDARIES & EXPECTATIONS CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIMECOMMITTMENT TO LEARNING POSITIVE VALUESSOCIAL COMPETENCIESPOSITIVE IDENTITY SUPPORT - Young people need to be supported, cared for, and loved by their families and many others. They also need organizations and institutions, such as schools and congregations, that provide positive, supportive environments. Family Support Positive family communication Other adult relationships Caring neighborhood Caring school climate Parent involvement in school Top of page EMPOWERMENT - Young people need to feel that they are valued by their community and that they have important ways to contribute. They must also feel safe. Community values youth Youth as resources Service to others Safety Top of page BOUNDARIES and EXPECTATIONS - Young people need to know what is expected of them and whether activities and behaviors are acceptable or not. Family boundaries School boundaries Neighborhood boundaries Adult role models Positive peer influence High expectations Top of page CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIME - Young people need to spend their time in positive, healthy ways. This includes doing activities in youth programs, in religious institutions, and at home. Creative activities Youth programs Religious community Time at home Top of page COMMITMENT TO LEARNING - Young people do best when they develop a strong interest in and commitment to education and learning. Achievement motivation School engagement Homework Bonding to school Reading for pleasure Top of page POSITIVE VALUES - Young people thrive when they develop strong values that guide their choices. Caring Equality and social justice Integrity Honesty Responsibility Restraint Top of page SOCIAL COMPETENCIES - Young people benefit from having skills and competencies that equip them to make positive choices, to build relationships, and to deal with difficult situations. Planning and decision making Interpersonal competence Cultural competence Resistance skills Peaceful conflict resolution Top of page POSITIVE IDENTITY - Young people need to develop a strong sense of their own power, purpose, worth, and promise. Personal power Self-esteem Sense of purpose Positive view of personal future Top of page

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