Y assets help youth make wise decisions, choose positive paths, and grow up to be competent, caring and responsible adults.

Help our Children Thrive

At the YMCA of the Mid-Peninsula, we are committed to providing the children and youth in our area the positive, empowering support they need to succeed and thrive.  Building developmental assets for our children and youth is at the core of all of our programs.

What are Developmental Assets?

Developmental assets are the positive relationships, opportunities, values and skills that young people need to grow up caring and responsible.  Research by the Search Institute identified 40 developmental assets that have a tremendous influence on young people's lives. Youth who possess developmental assets are inclined to make wise decisions, choose positive paths, and grow up to be competent, caring and responsible adults. With input from diverse community members, Project Cornerstone has added a 41st asset “positive cultural identity" to the framework we use. 

Be an Asset Builder for Children and Youth

Search Institute research shows that children and youth need 31 or more of developmental assets to thrive.  Local research conducted by Project Cornerstone shows that Santa Clara County youth have an average of 18.8 assets.

Each of us has the power to make a difference by being asset builders for children and youth. It doesn’t necessarily take a lot of time or energy. Here are some easy ways to get started:

• Learn the names of children and teenagers who live near you or who work in shops or community centers you frequent. Greet them by name.
• Model a positive, healthy lifestyle. This includes finding peaceful ways to resolve conflicts (asset #36); being motivated to achieve (asset #21); and advocating and working for equality and social justice (asset #27).
• Take time to play or talk with young people who live near you or work with you
• Examine your attitudes about children and youth. See young people as resources rather than as problems.
• Support local efforts to provide safe spaces for young people to meet and spend time together.
• Support efforts to create or expand opportunities for children and youth to participate in teams, clubs, and organizations.

For more information about  Developmental Assets and how you can be an asset builder, please click here.