America’s Moment: Investing in Positive Youth Development to Transform Youth and Society

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, America’s youth are suffering in unprecedented ways as their journey to adulthood is interrupted by multiple societal effects. This thought leader piece explores the power of positive youth development in a time of national crisis. The paper outlines the effects of COVID‑19 on youths’ mental health, educational engagement, and workforce opportunities, all of which have been profoundly affected by the pandemic. The paper makes the case for increasing investment in positive youth development programs and people and highlights key areas where such programs can help support and transform youth, and in-turn society writ large. These areas include increasing equitable access to youth development programs, addressing gaps in opportunities for youth, creating a workforce pipeline, elevating youth voice, and promoting civil discourse and engagement.

Positive Youth Development in the Context of Climate Change: A Systematic Review

“…After the 2008–2009 economic recession, an intervention based on PYD principles has successfully ensured youth opportunities to be heard, empowered as change agents, and engaged in meaningful decisions (Frasquilho et al, 2018 ). During the Covid-19 pandemics, PYD approaches have been highlighted as the pathway forward, considering that these promote safe and structured contexts, developmental relationships with caring adults, skill-building opportunities, and chances for authentic leadership (Arnold, 2020 ). Concerning climate change, evidence also shows that opportunities to engage in meaningful actions may benefit well-being, as this gives the sense that something is being done (Clemens et al, 2020 ; Nielsen et al, 2021 ; Sanson and Bellemo, 2021 ; The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, 2021 ).…”

Pathways to Positive Youth Development in Malaysian Undergraduate Co-curricular Programs: A Moderated Mediation Model of Youth Voice and Psychological Hardiness

“…Positive youth development is optimized when youth are engaged in decision-making, particularly when their ideas are considered and respected by supportive adults ( Benson et al, 2012 ; Duke, 2014 ; Zeldin et al, 2017 ). Creating opportunities for youth to develop their own voice is a long-established emphasis in youth development practice ( Arnold, 2020 ). Studies on youth voice have shown that the practice promotes a sense of agency, confidence, self-efficacy, empowerment, as well as community connections among youth ( Serido et al, 2011 ; Akiva et al, 2014 ; Krauss et al, 2014 ; Ramey et al, 2018 ).…”

A Self-Assessment Approach to Understanding 4-H Professional Development Needs in the Northeast

“…More recently, amid the pandemic, Arnold (2020) made an appeal for investment in positive youth development and specifically an investment in training and support of 4-H professionals as they turn to a whole-child approach. Fostering and sustaining developmental relationships with youth is a key feature of positive youth development and an aspect of youth development practice that should be emphasized right now as we face significant mental health challenges among youth and teens (Arnold & Rennekamp, 2020).…”