Human Development
Youth Development
Research shows that certain factors in young people’s lives—such as developing strong bonds with healthy adults and maintaining regular involvement in positive activities—not only create positive developmental pathways, but also prevent problem behaviors. Our research and program development activities foster positive youth development, enhancing assets and engaging young people as equal partners in constructive ways with the many influences in their lives: families, peers, schools, and community organizations.
AIR coordinates research, training, and technical assistance to build the capacity of federal, state, and local organizations in their youth development efforts. We identify and disseminate promising and effective strategies and create interactive tools that enable youth-serving organizations to plan and deliver effective programs. Importantly, we facilitate cross-system collaboration among the many types of organizations that provide programs and services to foster positive youth development.
