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40 Developmental Assets

Forty developmental assets, identified by the Search Institute of Minneapolis, are incorporated into all YMCA youth development programs.

The developmental assets are building blocks of healthy development that include internal and external assets such as family support, community values and caring, school involvement, adult role models, creative activity, achievement motivation, integrity, planning and decision making, and personal power.

The YMCA Embraces the 40 Developmental Assets in all our Programs.

The Assets are a framework that identifies crucial relationships, experiences, opportunities and personal qualities that children and adolescents need as they grow to become healthy, caring and responsible adults.

External Assets

Which are Positive experiences young people receive from the world around them:

• Support and empower young people
• Set boundaries and expectations
• Develop positive and constructive use of time.

External assets identify important ways that families, schools, faith communities, neighborhoods, and youth organizations can promote healthy development.

Internal Assets

Those characteristics and behaviors reflecting positive internal growth and development of young people:

• Positive values and identities
• Social competencies
• Commitment to learning

The Internal Developmental Assets will help young people make thoughtful and positive choices and, in turn, be better prepared for situations in life that challenge their inner strength and confidence.

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