This issue presents research and practice studies that advance understanding of youth development across multiple settings and populations. The articles examine topics including program evaluation, experiential and career learning, civic engagement, STEM education, youth resilience, and inclusion of marginalized youth, highlighting how structured programs, supportive relationships, and targeted interventions can improve youth outcomes and foster more inclusive opportunities for all young people.
Issue highlights include:
Youth Program Evaluation: This article presents an approach to program evaluation that integrates insights from youth development research to improve the quality and relevance of evaluation in youth-serving organizations. The authors propose two guiding principles—contextual sensitivity and collaboration—and outline three key tenets for high-quality youth program evaluation: youth-centered, process-oriented, and use-focused practice.
Community Service Learning in Vietnam: This study examines how structured community service-learning opportunities influence Vietnamese university students’ satisfaction of basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Findings show that students with access to structured service-learning courses reported stronger social connections, greater skill application, and deeper understanding of social issues.
Virtual STEM Career Symposium: This evaluation of a virtual career symposium for students at Minority-Serving Institutions found that exposure to diverse presenters and accessible career information increased students’ awareness of agricultural and entomology career pathways. Results highlight the value of relatable role models and culturally relevant programming in supporting STEM career motivation and graduate school readiness.
Filipino Youth Civic Engagement During COVID-19: Through interviews with Filipino youth volunteers, this study explores how civic engagement supported well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings show that participation helped youth cope with isolation while also strengthening their use of social networking platforms to organize and sustain civic work.
Growing Mathletes Informal Learning Program: This article describes the development and evaluation of Growing Mathletes, an informal education program that teaches mathematics through the context of baseball while fostering a growth mindset. Results indicate that the integrated approach improved youths’ confidence in math and strengthened their beliefs about their ability to learn and grow.
Life Skills and Youth Workforce Development: This qualitative study explores youth experiences in a nonprofit partnership designed to support career readiness and workforce transitions. Findings suggest that participation strengthened key life skills—especially communication—and helped youth envision new professional possibilities.
Launch Skills Virtual Career Camp: This study examines the development and implementation of Launch Skills, a virtual career exploration camp designed for rural youth interested in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. Results show that participation broadened students’ awareness of career pathways and provided engaging opportunities to learn about job roles and earning potential.
Impactful 4-H Program Delivery Methods: This study identifies the 4-H delivery methods that most strongly contribute to youth development outcomes and agent impact in Kentucky. Findings indicate that clubs and camps were the most influential formats, supporting the development of communication, leadership, and community service skills.
Youth Development Opportunities for Sexual and Gender Minoritized Youth: Using statewide survey data from Minnesota, this study investigates how intersecting identities shape access to youth development opportunities. Results reveal that youth with multiple minoritized identities—particularly transgender and gender-diverse youth of color—reported the lowest levels of engagement, highlighting the need for more equitable and inclusive programming.
Men of Strength (MOST) Club Violence Prevention Program: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the implementation of the Men of Strength Club, a school-based program designed to prevent sexual and dating violence through peer leadership and gender-transformative approaches. Despite COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, the program demonstrated strong fidelity and promising outcomes, including improved peer leadership and reduced attitudes supporting violence.
Ecological Resilience in Community-Based Programming: This mixed-methods study explores how community-based youth programs contribute to resilience among adolescents and emerging adults. Findings support ecological resilience theory, suggesting that supportive environments and relationships within community programs help foster resilience among vulnerable youth.
Youth Urban Agriculture and Belonging: Using photovoice and interviews with high school participants, this study examines how youth gardening programs foster confidence, belonging, and connection. Results highlight the importance of relationships with peers, adults, and the natural environment in supporting positive youth development.
Affirming After-School Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Youth: This qualitative study analyzes personal stories from LGBTQIA+ youth to understand what they view as ideal support in after-school programming. Youth emphasized the importance of safety, empathy, acceptance, and strong relationships with peers and adults in creating affirming spaces that support well-being.
Marginalized Filipino Youth Leadership: This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of formerly out-of-school Filipino youth who became community leaders through partnerships with adults. Their stories reveal transformative journeys from marginalization to empowerment, underscoring the importance of supportive adults in youth civic engagement.
BOOK REVIEW- Teaching Storytelling in Classrooms and Communities: This review highlights a book that offers practical strategies for integrating storytelling into educational and youth development settings. The book demonstrates how storytelling can amplify youth voices, foster belonging, and inspire social change while providing educators with tools for ethical and impactful storytelling practices.
We are deeply grateful to the authors who selected JYD as the outlet for their scholarship and to our reviewers for their thoughtful contributions that strengthen the journal.
We also acknowledge the invaluable support of the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) and the National Afterschool Association (NAA). Their continued sponsorship and leadership play a vital role in sustaining the journal.
Our gratitude goes as well to the broader JYD community—readers, contributors, and partners—whose engagement helps position the journal as a leading resource for advancing youth development research and practice.
You can explore all articles on our website and keep connected with JYD by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter/X (@JournalYouthDev) for updates and highlights.
Announcement Text
Good day JYD Readers,
The Journal of Youth Development (JYD) has published its latest issue (21.1) at https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/jyd.
This issue presents research and practice studies that advance understanding of youth development across multiple settings and populations. The articles examine topics including program evaluation, experiential and career learning, civic engagement, STEM education, youth resilience, and inclusion of marginalized youth, highlighting how structured programs, supportive relationships, and targeted interventions can improve youth outcomes and foster more inclusive opportunities for all young people.
Issue highlights include:
We are deeply grateful to the authors who selected JYD as the outlet for their scholarship and to our reviewers for their thoughtful contributions that strengthen the journal.
We also acknowledge the invaluable support of the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) and the National Afterschool Association (NAA). Their continued sponsorship and leadership play a vital role in sustaining the journal.
Our gratitude goes as well to the broader JYD community—readers, contributors, and partners—whose engagement helps position the journal as a leading resource for advancing youth development research and practice.
You can explore all articles on our website and keep connected with JYD by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter/X (@JournalYouthDev) for updates and highlights.
Best,
Barry A. Garst
Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Youth Development