USAID Youth Research Evaluation and Learning Project

This paper presents information on positive youth development frameworks and foundational principles that undergird holistic, cross-sectoral strategies, as well as other sector-specific topics. Concepts from this paper are also discussed in two other reports which have been written on the topics of youth education in conflict- and crisis-affected environments and youth workforce development (USAID, 2013). The paper addresses six key questions:

1. Why should international donors invest in positive youth development (PYD) programs?
2. What are the current trends in international youth development with regard to holistic, cross-sectoral programming?
3. What are the most relevant PYD frameworks?
4. How can a comprehensive PYD approach contribute to positive outcomes in sectors such as health, education, employment, family life, democracy and governance, crime prevention, and conflict mitigation?
5. Based on existing reports, evaluations, and meta-analyses, what is the evidence that holistic youth programs can be effective?
6. What are the gaps in research and the important next steps for policy and practice?