Introducing
The QYD Project™
The Quality Youth Development (QYD) Project™ is a national youth engagement and empowerment project, in alignment with the 40 Developmental Assets developed years ago by the Search Institute. It seeks to engage communities in better supporting their youth by working alongside them.
How it Works:
Organize a local QYD
Steering Committee within your community, with at least 40% of members between the ages of 13-19.
Complete evidence-based QYD Benchmarks to strengthen and expand your community's commitment to quality youth development.
Celebrate your successes and continue to meet new benchmarks while sustaining those you've already met.
Why Become a QYD™ Community?
Communities who take on the QYD Project™ become certified as QYD Communities™ by meeting at least 7 of the 10 QYD Benchmarks. Through this hands-on, youth-engaging process, the community becomes more aware of the methods and value of supporting youth, and many youth in the QYD Community™ will:
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feel more valued and respected
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be offered more meaningful opportunities
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demonstrate increased resilience and self-confidence
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be more likely to thrive in school and as community members
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be more inclined to remain in, or return to, the community after school graduation