40 Developmental Assets

what are they?

In 1990, Search Institute released a framework of 40 Developmental Assets, which identifies a set of skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults. Over the following two decades, the Developmental Assets framework and approach to youth development became the most frequently cited and widely utilized in the world, creating what Stanford University’s William Damon described as a “sea change” in adolescent development.

Data collected from Search Institute surveys of more than 4 million children and youth from all backgrounds and situations has consistently demonstrated that the more Developmental Assets young people acquire, the better their chances of succeeding in school and becoming happy, healthy, and contributing members of their communities and society.

40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents (ages 12-18)

40 Developmental Assets for Middle Childhood (ages 8-12)

40 Developmental Assets for Grades K-3 (ages 5-9)

40 Developmental Assets for Early Childhood (ages 3-5)

The 40 developmental assets for adolescents