In 1989, the Search Institute out of Minneapolis commissioned a nation-wide study to identify what assets youth need in their lives to help them make the right decisions and avoid at-risk behaviors. The Search Institute went on to determine what communities could do to help their youth, which launched the Institute's Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth initiative.

Through their research, the Search Institute identified 40 Developmental Assets that are critical to healthy youth development. Currently, hundreds of communities across the country are initiating community-based projects around these 40 developmental assets.

The Search Institutes comprehensive research clearly indicates that the more assets youth have, the less likely they are to participate in at-risk behaviors. The Search Institute's Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth initiative has become very popular across the United States with progressive communities that are interested in truly protecting youth from at-risk behaviors and providing nurturing, healthy environments.

Youth leadership and character building initiatives offer asset building opportunities for young people that can make a difference in their development into positive, healthy and productive citizens.

How important is it to have some of the 40 Assets?

Based on search Institute's study of almost 100,000 youth in 213 towns and cities across the United States during the 1996-1997 school year, this chart shows that the more assets young people experience, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of risky behaviors, and the more likely they are to engage in positive behaviors.

The Power of Assets to Protect
from High-Risk Behaviors

The Power of Assets to Promote
Positive Attitudes and Behaviors

What are the 40 assets? How can I learn more about them?

Click here to learn more: http://www.search-institute.org