Youth First

Youth First delivers dozens of existing youth development and recreation programs right to Saginaw County’s at-risk youth. The programs help reinforce fundamentals learned in school by providing fun and creative learning experiences during non-school hours. Youth First also can help students be better prepared for school and improve their problem-solving skills, attitudes and community engagement.

The program is based on a blend of youth development models. All activities are drawn from Search Institute’s Developmental Assets®, the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the U.S. The Developmental Assets® represent the relationships, opportunities and personal qualities that children need to avoid risks and to thrive. The average child experiences fewer than half of these assets.

To learn more, contact Dr. Samona Perry, Youth First director, via email or (989) 798-2740.

40 Developmental Assets® 

Below you can find several different lists of Developmental Assets®. Each is tailored for a specific age group.

40 Developmental Assets for Early Childhood (ages 3-5)

40 Developmental Assets for Grades K–3 (ages 5-9)

40 Developmental Assets for Middle Childhood (ages 8-12)

40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents (ages 12-18)

Youth First is a 21st Century Community Learning Center.   
Developmental Assets is a registered trademark of Search Institute