Positive Youth Development (PYD) is defined by The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of 21 federal departments and agencies that support youth, as: “an intentional, pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances youths’ strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths” (Source: youth.gov). AAD uses this definition of PYD to frame, plan, develop and implement its positive youth development programs. As a holistic model, PYD uses youth voices, youth involvement, and youth empowerment to promote effective, productive, outcome-driven, and sustainable community-youth partnerships.
