Youth Development Archives

QA_ Karen Pittman _2026 NEA Foundation’s Outstanding Service Public Education Award_older black woman stand at podium with hands clasped in front of her

Q&A with Karen Pittman, 2026 recipient of the NEA Foundation’s Outstanding Service to Public Education Award

Youth Today's Karen Pittman, often referred to as the godmother of positive youth development, received the award on February 13.

Look inside_What MCA taught us about gratitude, growth and growing up_Pass the Mic 4_feature: black and white image of three youths sitting on curb

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Opinion

Look inside: What MCA taught us about gratitude, growth and growing up

MCA’s legacy, when seen through a developmental lens, offers a clear example of how gratitude can emerge alongside maturity, identity and purpose.

Why agency, voice and coherence is the work_feature: group of diverse youth smiling

250

Opinion

Why agency, voice and coherence is the work: Supporting social, emotional and academic well-being and thriving in challenging times and contexts

From a developmental perspective, coherence is not something young people are told they are part of; it is something they feel.

The overlooked link between literacy, STEM and student success_feature: Little children with microscope studying Chemistry in science classroom

308

From the Field

The overlooked link between literacy, STEM and student success

For decades, schools across the country have invested heavily in literacy reform. New curricula, mandates and funding have reshaped classrooms, yet reading...

On youth program quality_feature2: group of young children learning excitedly around table

260

From the Field

On program quality

Katherine Plog Martinez speaks with Thomas Akiva on how youth-serving organizations can ensure youth program quality by recognizing three key developments.

Coaching not correction_The shift youth serving systems need to build real leaders_feature: male educator/mentor helping two girls with STEM project

543

From the Field

Coaching, not correction: The shift youth-serving systems need to build real leaders

You can’t correct a kid into leadership. Adolescents develop youth leadership through environments that support autonomy, belonging and skill-building.

From systems leadership to learning ecosystems stewardship_feature: group of kids watch an educator giving a presentation outside

783

Opinion

From systems leadership to ecosystems stewardship: A next step for OST intermediaries?

The benefits of comprehensive learning ecosystems are vast, but a vital part of maintaining and stewarding them will fall on OST programs/intermediaries.

service learning, youth workers: Happy young volunteers in gloves collecting, sorting food for needy people

915

Opinion

They age out — then we hire them. What happens next matters most.

Despite the vital role of young staff, we know little about how these experiences shape their development and which workplace practices help...

On learning and meaning making _feature: group of youth working at table together

686

From the Field

On learning and meaning making

Katherine Plog-Martinez speaks with Kim Sabo Flores about how meaning making—reflecting on and making sense of experiences—is crucial to youth development.

Giving Tulsa students a clear path from curiosity to career_feature, afterschool STEM: group of youths in rocket and drone club along with mentor/teacher

898

From the Field

Giving Tulsa students a clear path from curiosity to career

Afterschool STEM programs spark interest and help students build skills and confidence while increasing awareness of STEM careers.

An invitation to learn reflect and act together for equity-centered thriving: group of diverse youth happily works at table together

833

Opinion

An invitation to learn, reflect and act together for equity-centered thriving

A new podcast features foundational thinkers, exemplary youth practitioners and policy leaders discussing what it takes to support equity-centered thriving.

restorative professional development for youth workers_workshop outdoors, connecting to nature_feature: group of people standing outside with blue, partly cloudy sky

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Opinion

A restorative approach to professional development for youth workers

Jen Curry of Change Impact highlights restorative professional development for the youth workforce, detailing six ways organizations can implement it.

On readiness to change, youth development_feature: three youths at youth organization even happily discussing something

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Opinion

On readiness to change

Katherine Plog Martinez speaks with Arielle Lentz about the importance of youth organizations' readiness to implement science-based youth development.

Shifting the game_Kuhn, hip-hop future of youth work_Paradigm Shifts_feature: paradigm shift, group of hiphop artists in street in the past

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Opinion

Shifting the game: Kuhn, hip-hop and the future of youth work

Hip-hop shows that the next paradigm begins at the margins. If we learn to recognize that in youth systems, we may help...

positive youth development grants; young african american woman leading class

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Opinion

On Integrating Research and Practice: A new resource bridges the gap

The ultimate goal of this book is to bring the voices of leading positive youth development scholars directly to youth development practitioners.

Back to school back to Unified_How your organization can champion inclusion_feature: Young adult with down syndrome smiling and giving a thumbs up while holding a basketball while another person does the same behind

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From the Field

Back to school, back to Unified: How your organization can champion inclusion

Unified isn’t just about sports; it’s about creating opportunities for connection, understanding and leadership by welcoming students of all abilities.

A capstone essay on 50 years of promoting positive youth development _feature: young boy and mentor/father figure walk outdoors while talking

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Opinion

A capstone essay on 50 years of promoting positive youth development

Positive youth development researchers/practitioners must remain steadfast in providing every young person with developmental assets and relationships.