Staff have knowledge, and/or are constantly gaining knowledge on working with youth.

Experiential learning strategies, hands-on and project based, are utilized frequently.

Staff and youth participants are allowed to fail and engage in reflective feedback process to learn from their mistakes.

Staff holds high expectations of all youth and their capacity to grow and learn while also individualizing their support and encouragement based on where that youth is currently performing.

Staff is trained in goal setting and skill development as evidenced by co-created plans that identify clear roles with specific objectives and step-by-step instructions so that youth know what they are learning.

Youth have opportunities to teach one another.

Adults support youth in strategizing and problem-solving.

Staff identifies youth areas for growth and tailors programming to intentionally build those skills.

Youth and adults work together on all aspects of programming in order to develop youth’s knowledge and skills in their area of interest within the organization.

Many aspects of programming are youth-led to support their individual skill development based on their interests/strengths.

Organization supports youth’s financial planning for future activities and life goals, including support for pursuing scholarships and job/paid internship opportunities.