40 Developmental Assets

Why do some kids grow up with ease, while others struggle? Why do some kids get involved in dangerous activities, while others spend their time contributing to society? Why do some youth “beat the odds” in difficult situation, while others get trapped?

Many factors influence why some young people have successes in life and why others have a harder time. Economic circumstances, genetics, trauma, and many other factors play a role. But these factors aren’t all that matters.

Search Institute, a nonprofit, independent research organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has identified 40 concrete, positive experiences and qualities – developmental assets – that have a tremendous influence on young people’s lives and choices. Research shows that the 40 developmental assets help young people make wise decisions, choose positive paths, and grow up competent, caring and responsible.

The bad news is that the vast majority of young people in the United States – regardless of race or ethnicity, age, gender, cultural background, religion or income level – experience too few of the assets. Indeed, on average, young people report experiencing just 18 of the 40 assets.

The good news is that everyone from all walks of life can help build assets. You don’t have to be a parent, a teacher, a youth worker, or a counselor (though these people certainly have important roles in asset building). You can be a child, teenage, single adult, parent, grandparent – anyone can build assets.

View the assets:

• view the list of the 40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents (ages 12-18).
• view the list of the 40 Developmental Assets for Middle Childhood (grades 4-6)

Search Institute is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities. To accomplish this mission, the institute generates and communicates new knowledge, and brings together community, state, and national leaders. To learn more about the Search Institute, you can visit their website...