Introduction to 40 Developmental Assets
Background
Developmental Assets®
In 1990, Search Institute released a framework of 40 Developmental Assets, which identifies a set of skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults. Over the following two decades, the Developmental Assets framework and approach to youth development became the most frequently cited and widely utilized in the world, creating what Stanford University’s William Damon described as a “sea change” in adolescent development.
Data collected from Search Institute surveys of more than 4 million children and youth from all backgrounds and situations has consistently demonstrated that the more Developmental Assets young people acquire, the better their chances of succeeding in school and becoming happy, healthy, and contributing members of their communities and society.
In October 2008, Family and Community Support Services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in partnership with St. Albert Protestant Schools Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, surveyed over 5,400 students from grades 4 through 11. The results from these surveys confirmed for us that a focus on the Asset Development philosophy was a way to encourage and support positive development for the youth in our community.
The Developmental Assets framework names the values, qualities, and experiences that young people need in their lives to become caring, competent, responsible people. When young people have more of the Developmental Assets in their lives, they are more likely to succeed in school, show leadership, take care of their health, and value diversity. They are less likely to be involved in violence, in using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and in early sexual activity.
Positive youth development is critical to a healthy and prosperous community. It is easy to understand the benefit to the youth themselves; however, the benefit is just as important to the community.
Survey
In October 2008, Family and Community Support Services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in partnership with St. Albert Protestant Schools Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, surveyed over 5,400 students from grades 4 through 11. The results from these surveys confirmed for us that a focus on the Asset Development philosophy was a way to encourage and support positive development for the youth in our community.
Survey ResultsRelated Pages
Last edited: April 6, 2022