Youth First

Youth First delivers dozens of existing youth development and recreation programs right to Saginaw County’s at-risk youth. The programs help reinforce fundamentals learned in school by providing fun and creative learning experiences during non-school hours. Youth First also can help students be better prepared for school and improve their problem-solving skills, attitudes and community engagement.

The program is based on a blend of youth development models. All activities are drawn from Search Institute’s Developmental Assets®, the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the U.S. The Developmental Assets® represent the relationships, opportunities and personal qualities that children need to avoid risks and to thrive. The average child experiences fewer than half of these assets.

40 Developmental Assets® 

Below you can find several different lists of Developmental Assets®. Each is tailored for a specific age group.

40 Developmental Assets for Early Childhood (ages 3-5)

40 Developmental Assets for Grades K–3 (ages 5-9)

40 Developmental Assets for Middle Childhood (ages 8-12)

40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents (ages 12-18)

Youth First is a 21st Century Community Learning Center.   
Developmental Assets is a registered trademark of Search Institute