Eighteen is average. Drawing from extensive research on child and adolescent development, Search Institute in Minneapolis compiled 40 elements of life that enhance the health and well-being of young people. Examples include family support, safe communities, positive influences by peers and adults, and youth activities.
Internal strengths help develop the confidence needed to succeed.
These findings indicate that the average young person in the U.S. experiences 18 of the 40 identified developmental assets. In general, older youth have lower average levels of assets than younger youth. And boys experience fewer assets than girls. Identify needs The City and Bloomington Public Schools are committed to increasing developmental assets in students' lives. Holmstrom described his personal experiences enhancing developmental assets for youth.