Our Work

In a nutshell, Positive Youth Development is a theoretical framework that focuses on a child’s assets rather than their deficits. It is a way of working with youth that recognizes their full potential, rather than what may be seen as a series of overwhelming struggles or barriers--without disregarding the impacts of those struggles or barriers on youth’s lives.

YDO’s program specialist, Larrah Feliciano, dedicated her career and doctoral studies to Positive Youth Development, and the YDO team lives and breathes the framework in all aspects of our work. In all our activities and programs, we aim to focus on the importance of prosocial behaviors, fostering positive relationships with peers and adults, celebrating a diversity of backgrounds and abilities, and instilling healthy behavioral habits so children can focus on learning and developing great relationships at school.