Positive youth development emphasizes fully preparing young people to lead successful, happy, and healthy lives now and as adults, rather than focusing simply on ensuring that young people are not engaged in risky behaviors. Specifically through a variety of community, school, and family programs, positive youth development seeks to strengthen adolescent social, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and moral competencies; build self-efficacy; increase healthy bonding with adults, peers, and younger children; and expand opportunities and recognition for youth who engage in positive behavior. Many positive youth development programs ultimately reduce the likelihood that an adolescent will engage in risky behavior, as well as empower youth with competencies.

COMMISSION MEMBERS

Marvin Berkowitz, Ph.D., University of Missouri at St. Louis

Richard Catalano, Ph.D., University of Washington

William Damon, Ph.D., Stanford University

Jacquelynne Eccles, Ph.D., University of Michigan

Jane Gillham, Ph.D., Swarthmore College

Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Kristin Moore, Ph.D., Child Trends

Heather Johnston Nicholson, Ph.D., Girls Incorporated

Nansook Park, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island

David Penn, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Christopher Peterson, Ph.D., University of Michigan

Margaret Shih, Ph.D., University of Michigan

Tracy Steen, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Robert Sternberg, Ph.D., Yale University

Joseph Tierney, M.A., University of Pennsylvania

Roger Weissberg, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago

Jonathan Zaff, Ph.D., 18-35