A Comparative Examination of How Program Design Components Influence Youth Leadership-Skill Development

Abstract

A growing interest in how adolescents can prepare for the workforce has contributed to the development of positive youth development (PYD) programs focused on youth leadership. This study explored what mechanisms and design components support leadership skill development among youth participating in 3 different PYD leadership programs. All of these programs involve high school students, have a focus on leadership, and emphasize college and workforce readiness. The aims of the study were to (a) examine what commonalities and differences in program design components contribute to skill development, (b) identify what leadership skills youth develop by participating in PYD leadership programs, and (c) explore what underlying mechanisms youth perceive contribute to their skill development over time. A total of 3 focus groups were conducted, each lasting 90 minutes, with a total of 18 youth (i.e., 6 youth per program). Nvivo, a qualitative software, and thematic analysis were used to distill common and differential themes related to the program design components the participants recognized as integral parts of the programs that contributed to their leadership skill development. Common skills developed across all 3 programs included working in groups, public speaking, and problem solving, yet differences in skills were also reported and linked to differences in program design. Additional findings showed several underlying mechanisms supported leadership skill development among youth participants. Findings can inform the development of effective youth leadership PYD programs, thereby further supporting youth in achieving their goals; avoiding harmful behaviors; and developing the competencies, confidence, and values youth need to successfully transition to adulthood.

Virtual Sport-Based Positive Youth Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Our study encourages partnerships among families, community-based centers, and professional sport teams to co-construct community outreach efforts. We also see value in designing PYD programs that utilize a ladder of leadership approach whereby older youth in the community, who look like and come from a similar background as the younger youth in their community, design and deliver the sport-based PYD activities in culturally-responsive ways (Bates et al, 2020). Older youth may benefit by modeling and practicing the skills; suggesting sport-based PYD programming reaches multiple populations.…”

Book Review: (Re)Defining the Goal: The True Path to Career Readiness in the 21st Century

“…At the same time that more and more jobs have a need for post-secondary education (Conley, 2012), employers report that young people are entering the workforce unprepared (Jiminez, 2020). Because of their focus on developing youth potential, youth development programs are ideally suited to help students navigate the transition to post-secondary education and the workforce (e.g., Bates et al, 2020;Gee et al, 2020;Horrillo et al, 2021).…”