What were the experienced that shaped you as a child? That camping trip with your family? Going to a sleep away camp and being
away from your parents for the first time? That first trip across the...
Youth Impact
Solar Youth uses the Search Institute’s Developmental Asset framework, one of the most widely used approaches to youth development in the U.S., in determining which outcomes we seek for our youth. Developmental Assets are the building blocks of positive youth development, the possession of which has shown to have significant effect on youth's ability to resist negative influences and achieve success in adult life. Read more here.
The Developmental Assets Solar Youth measures are within the categories of 'constructive use of time,' 'empowerment,' 'commitment to learning,' 'positive values,' and 'social competencies.'
In addition to Developmental Assets, Solar Youth also helps youth
increase their environmental knowledge and commitment to environmental
stewardship. As a result, youth receive a boost in science class and cultivate
a love of the outdoors.
Solar Youth also has specific goals for our teenage interns. We
work with teenagers to develop key “soft” employability skills, such as
timeliness, public speaking, personal financial management, work ethic and a
commitment to excellence.
We also help teens develop “hard” skills associated with their
internship. For Youth Educators (interns who co-lead programs with adult
staff), we teach the principles and best practices of positive youth
development. For Green jobs Apprentices,
we teach urban forestry, energy efficiency and community organizing skills.
Below are some of our outcomes for Summer 2010 through Spring 2011
Constructive Use of Time:
- Over 1,000 Solar Youth program hours are offered per season
Empowerment:
- 98% of parents agreed that because of Solar Youth, young people are given useful roles in the community
- 74% of youth agreed that because of Solar Youth, adults in the community valued youth
Commitment to Learning:
- 88% of youth agreed that they know more about their environment as a result of participation in Solar Youth
- 98% of parents agreed that their child is motivated to do well in school as a result of participation in Solar Youth
Positive Values:
- 85% of youth agreed that they like to help others as a result of participation in Solar Youth
- 82% of youth agreed that they believe that their actions have consequences as a result of participation in Solar Youth
Social Competencies:
- 94% of parents agreed that their child’s ability to work with others has improved as a result of participation in Solar Youth
- 81% of youth agreed that they are better at working as a team as a result of participation in Solar Youth
Environmental Stewardship:
- 89% of youth agreed that they can and should help solve problems in the environment and community as a result of participation in Solar Youth
