Positive youth development

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Positive youth development, or PYD, is a common neologism that summarizes the intentional efforts of other youth, adults, communities, government agencies, and schools to provide opportunities for youth to enhance their interests, skills, and abilities into their adulthoods. PYD is an increasingly popular policy, curricular, and programmatic approach that allows schools and youth organizations to infuse youth development principles throughout their programs, while supporting their educative or community development goals.

PYD looks toward creating supportive communities for all young people and at the same time, engaging youth to contribute to the well-being of the larger community. Organizations and communities that promote PYD give youth the chance to get involved and exercise leadership.

In the Federal government, the Family and Youth Services Bureau, within the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, promotes the Positive Youth Development approach.

According to the Family and Youth Services Bureau, the Positive Youth Development approach understands that all young people need support, guidance, and opportunities during adolescence.