About EP4Y Youth Development
To grow up healthy, all youth need opportunities to develop:
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Competence: A positive view of one’s actions, including social, academic, health and vocational.
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Confidence: An internal sense of overall positive self-worth and self-efficacy.
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Connection: Positive bonds with people and institutions; both parties contribute to the relationship.
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Character: Respect for societal/cultural norms, morality (a sense of right and wrong), and integrity.
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Caring/Compassion: A sense of sympathy and empathy for others.
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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
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Better attitudes toward school and higher educational aspirations
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Higher school attendance rates and less tardiness
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Less disciplinary action (e.g., suspension)
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Better performance in school, as measured by achievement test scores and grades
Social/Emotional Outcomes
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Improved social skills, communication skills, and relationships with others (peers, parents, and teachers)
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Increased self-confidence, self-esteem and self-efficacy
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Lower levels of depression and anxiety
Prevention Outcomes
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Avoidance of drug and alcohol use
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Decreases in delinquency, violent behavior and juvenile crime
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Avoidance of sexual activity
Health and Wellness Outcomes
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Better food choices and increased knowledge of nutrition and health practices
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Increased physical activity
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Reduction in BMI (body mass image)
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Improved body image
Outcomes of participation in after-school activities, adapted from the Harvard Family Research Project, February 2008.