About EP4Y Youth Development

To grow up healthy, all youth need opportunities to develop:    

  • Competence: A positive view of one’s actions, including social, academic, health and vocational.
  • Confidence: An internal sense of overall positive self-worth and self-efficacy.
  • Connection: Positive bonds with people and institutions; both parties contribute to the relationship.
  • Character: Respect for societal/cultural norms, morality (a sense of right and wrong), and integrity.
  • Caring/Compassion: A sense of sympathy and empathy for others.
  • Contribution:  The opportunity to give back and make a difference to self, family and community.

Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development, Tufts University.

How They Work

Eden Prairie has many opportunities for young people to develop the 6 C’s of Youth Development.  The Youth Development Committee’s focus is reducing barriers to youth for these opportunities (such as financial, transportation, language and communication). 

When all youth are able to participate in opportunities to develop, everyone benefits.

Academic Outcomes

  • Better attitudes toward school and higher educational aspirations
  • Higher school attendance rates and less tardiness
  • Less disciplinary action (e.g., suspension)
  • Better performance in school, as measured by achievement test scores and grades

Social/Emotional Outcomes

  • Improved social skills, communication skills, and relationships with others (peers, parents, and teachers)
  • Increased self-confidence, self-esteem and self-efficacy
  • Lower levels of depression and anxiety

Prevention Outcomes

  • Avoidance of drug and alcohol use
  • Decreases in delinquency, violent behavior and juvenile crime
  • Avoidance of sexual activity

Health and Wellness Outcomes

  • Better food choices and increased knowledge of nutrition and health practices
  • Increased physical activity
  • Reduction in BMI (body mass image)
  • Improved body image

Outcomes of participation in after-school activities, adapted from the Harvard Family Research Project, February 2008.

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Youth Development

The Youth Development Committee encourages personal development of our youth, while strengthening and supporting healthy relationships among our community and family members.

We believe that all youth deserve a chance to identify and put to use their inherent strengths and talents, so they can fulfill their potential and become happy, successful adults.

Find the Spark Inside Your Child
Help your teen uncover hidden interests, strengths, and passions. Check out the A to Z List of Things to Do in Eden Prairie and surrounding communities – many without cost.

A to Z List of Things to Do (PDF)


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Developments Assets®

Asset Building Tips
Supportive, healthy relationships make a big difference. Many studies confirm that caring, supportive relationships with adults are critical for raising young people who are healthy and resilient.

Click here to learn more and download PDFs of the 40 Developmental Assets.

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Parenting Tips
Click here for a list of parenting tips.