Focus on designing a high-quality experience regardless of the learning environment.
Youth program quality
The University of Minnesota Extension offers research, practical guides, custom training and courses to help youth development professionals provide quality experiences in a variety of learning environments, giving youth the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Program quality ensures youth development professionals are actively engaging young people in positive youth development. From after-school sessions and overnight camps to online workshops, we have the resources and training to help you and your organization develop high-quality learning experiences — no matter the setting.
Program quality is achieved by being intentional about:
- Design - program planning and appropriate structure
- Management - supportive policies and professional development
- Evaluation - needs assessment and continuous quality improvement
The following resources focus on research-based methods for ensuring youth program quality.
Research briefs and practical guides
Evaluating youth and education programs
If you are in charge of running education or youth programs, you might need some help with evaluation.
Dilemmas in Youth Work
Dilemmas require youth workers to make decisions about how to respond to difficult moments.
Managing risk in youth programs
Risk management strategies help an organization ensure a high degree of care and protection of young people while they participate in activities.
Curricula
Elements of Positive Youth Development
Use this planning guide to help build in the positive aspects of youth development when preparing a program.
Newsletter: Youth Development Update
Monthly newsletter of youth development events, research and opportunities for youth development professionals.
Learn more about youth development
University of Minnesota Extension has a long history of youth development leadership. We're best known for running Minnesota 4-H for more than 100 years. Our mission is to improve the lives of all Minnesota young people — no matter where they live or which youth program they choose to join.
Discover resources, research briefs, practical guides, insights, webinars and custom training we offer on foundations of youth development to integrate research-based practices into your youth program to ensure youth thrive.
For general questions or training opportunities, please contact or .
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