| Citation: | Connell, J. P., Gambone, M. A., & Smith, T. J. (2001) Youth development in community settings: Challenges to our field and our approach. Toms River, NJ: Community Action for Youth Project (CAYP). http://www.irre.org/pdf_files/connell.pdf |
Annotation:
This report suggests that applying a youth development approach of viewing young people as Òassets in the makingÓ across family, community, and school settings is essential to meaningful change in a broad and diverse population. The authors offer a youth development framework. It is built on academic theory and research about adolescent development, lessons learned either directly or indirectly from seven major youth development initiatives (the Institute for Education Research and Reform, Search Institute, Public/Private Ventures, National Urban League, Development Research and Reform in Education, Community Network for Youth Development, and Center for Youth Development and Policy Research) and common sense. The framework suggests that youth need five key experiences across home, school, and community settings. They are: adequate nutrition, health, and shelter; multiple supportive relationships with adults and peers; challenging and engaging activities and learning experiences; meaningful opportunities for involvement and membership; and physical and emotional safety. The authors believe that the presence of these five supports and opportunities across home, school, and community settings will result in dramatic and sustainable improvements in young peopleÕs productivity, connectedness, and ability to navigate in life and school. They call for schools, the main environment in which young people spend time, to connect with families and communities in an effort to provide the supports and opportunity youth need to flourish. This report from the youth development field encourages a different mindset for educators about students and can inform education policy and practice.
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