The 40 Developmental Assets

Search Institute, the nationally-recognized youth development organization, has identified 40 concrete, positive experiences and qualities called “Developmental Assets.” Download a one-page easy-to-read (and distribute!) brochure of the 40 Assets right here.

The 40 Assets have tremendous influence on young people’s lives and are the “building blocks” of young people’s lives by helping them make wise decisions, choose positive paths, and grow up competent, caring and responsible.

Search Institute's Vision Training

"Taking Asset Building from Theory to Reality" and Training of Trainers is GREAT SUCCESS

More than 100 individuals have participated in training sponsored by Youth Count and New Albany Floyd County Schools.  Three workshops helped local residents: teachers, school counselors, youth service workers, social service and foundation personnel and others, learn how to take youth development through “Asset Building” from theory to reality for young people in Floyd County.

Twenty-six individuals, primarily counselors from the New Albany Floyd County School System, were trained as "trainers" of Asset Development and will share their knowledge throughout the elementary, middle and high schools in the communmity.

Barbara Bridgwater, Community Youth Champion for Youth Count, stated that “Asset building does not change the goal or vision of programs for, or activities with, young people.  It does mean becoming intentional in looking at how an organization work with youth connects to asset building.  Relating the good work that so many individuals and organizations are doing with youth to asset building is like having a common language, so that regardless of how diverse the goals or objectives of a youth program or activity might be, there is a connection amongst the many community-wide efforts so that we build the strongest possible life foundations for our young people.”