Youth Development Education: Supports and Opportunities for Young People

Abstract

Community-based youth development work has a long and respected history in America. The powerful tradition of community organizations sponsoring voluntary youth groups for constructive leisure and learning continues. In youth groups, young people work with dedicated adults to learn the values, skills, knowledge, and practical applications necessary to become and active, functioning adult in the community. Support for this intentional, hands-on, voluntary, youth-focused, community-based education is the primary interest of faculty and staff at the Center for 4-H Youth Development.