Your one-stop-shop for all things PYD
Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a transformative approach that reshapes how we interact with children and youth, unlocking their potential and promoting their well-being. PYD isn’t just a program or curriculum; it’s about us, as adults, adopting behaviors that support every aspect of a child’s development – social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.
Grounded in evidence, PYD is about meeting young people where they are, recognizing their strengths, and providing them with the support they need to thrive. As supportive adults in their journey, we provide children and youth with meaningful opportunities to build relationships, engage in new experiences, and grow and thrive in safe environments.
Our Y's Role
In response to the growing youth mental health crisis, the YMCA of San Diego County is embracing a Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach throughout our youth-serving programs. Our programs offer more than just activities— they’re designed to create a place of promise, safety, and connection where young people feel seen, encouraged, and cared for. By focusing on building strong, supportive relationships and creating positive experiences, we can help children and youth grow in an environment that promotes their mental health and overall well-being. The PYD approach is backed by research, and by applying it, we can make a lasting impact on the mental health of children, youth, and families in our community.
Introducing the Super Six
Discover the Super 6 principles of Positive Youth Development (PYD) in our video series tailored for our team members. Learn how to nurture young minds into tomorrow’s leaders by fostering a sense of purpose, self-confidence, and resilience.
Want to Learn More?
Explore the articles and resources below to deepen your understanding of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and discover effective strategies for integrating it into your work. This is an ongoing journey, and we are continually developing more resources — be sure to check back for updates!
Engage Authentically: This article explores the importance of building genuine relationships with youth, emphasizing how authentic connections can foster a sense of belonging and increase participation in activities.
Promote Peer Bonds: This article highlights strategies to encourage positive friendships among youth, noting that peer bonds are crucial for identity formation and overall well-being.
Challenge Growth: This article focuses on the importance of encouraging youth to take appropriate risks and push their boundaries, fostering resilience and a growth mindset.
Expand Interests: This article discusses the benefits of encouraging youth to explore diverse interests and provides strategies on how to encourage, validate, and expose children and youth to new activities and perspectives.
Manage Goals: This article outlines strategies to help youth set and achieve their goals, promoting responsibility, problem-solving and perseverance.
Share Power: This article details the benefits and methods of involving youth in decision-making processes, empowering them to lead and co-create their own experiences.
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- PYD YOUTUBE PLAYLIST
- This playlist is designed to motivate, educate, and transform the way you approach youth mental health and well-being. The YMCA is committed to help children discover their strengths so they become confident and resilient individuals.
- PYD VIDEOS
- WEEKLY INTENTIONS POSTER
- Download, print and display this colorful poster of weekly intentions. Our team created easy acronyms for each weekday that focus on mindfulness, communication, growth, teamwork, and friendship.
- DOWNLOAD
- STAFF AWARDS
- Download, print and distribute this award to show your recognition to team members who have become a shining example of the Super Six!
- DOWNLOAD
- YOUTH AWARDS
- Download, print and distribute this award certificate to youth participants to encourage them to grow and build the skills they have learned.
- DOWNLOAD
- HELLO INSIGHT RESOURCES
- Hello Insight is a partner to the Y's PYD Strategic Priority. They have put together a website of additional resources. Enjoy!
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- PYD PRESENTATION
- Access this slide deck to introduce the Positive Youth Development approach to board members, community partners, or anyone else interested in learning more!
- SLIDE DECK
- YOUSCHOOL
- Our PYD partner, YouSchool, offers fantastic resources for anyone working with teens to refine HOW they show up and HOW they can promote positive trajectories!
- LIBRARY
- SEARCH INSTITUTE
- The Search Institute researches the essential elements young people need to thrive and develops tools to help those who seek to positively influence their lives.
- RESOURCE HUB
- OPRE SELF-REGULATION AND TOXIC STRESS SERIES
- Aleta Meyer's work for the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) focuses on the development and impact of self-regulation and the effects of toxic stress on children and families, emphasizing strategies and interventions to support resilience and healthy development.
- LEARN MORE
- PYD SPORTS VIDEOS
- This 9-video series is a key resource for coaches and staff in youth sports, guiding them in applying a Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach. It provides practical tips to create environments where young athletes improve their physical fitness while building essential life skills like resilience, teamwork, grit, and self-esteem.
- WATCH
Welcome to Positive Youth Development
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