Question 1

What is youth development, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Youth development is the process of reaching the benchmarks and tasks associated with different stages of growing up. By fully understanding a young person’s developmental stage, you can provide them with appropriate support and resources they need. If done properly, you’ll help them grow into the person they are meant to be. It’s very important to young people that you understand youth development, and it’s especially important for young people experiencing toxic stress, trauma and/or abuse.

Question 2

What is the purpose of youth development training for youth workers?

Accepted Answer

Professional development is essential for a youth worker’s success with young people. It provides an invaluable source of personal and professional growth for youth workers to ensure they provide the best outcomes for young people. By taking youth development training, youth workers learn the various developmental stages and tasks that young people go through, and the specific challenges faced throughout each stage of growing up.

Question 3

What age group is considered 'youth' regarding youth development?

Accepted Answer

There is no standard definition of “youth” but it’s commonly accepted to be between ages 6 and 25 because at age 25 a person’s brain is fully developed. Nearly all YIPA’s trainings are appropriate for working with young people within this definition of “youth.”

Question 4

What types of skills and competencies does youth development training aim to develop?

Accepted Answer

YIPA helps youth workers develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence that is needed to properly support youth based on their specific developmental needs. This is VERY DIFFERENT than defining a young person’s needs based on their biological age. Applying developmentally appropriate expectations and activities is essential for positive youth outcomes.

Question 5

Can parents or guardians get involved in youth development training?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Parents and guardians are typically the main providers of support and nurturing for young people. They are welcome to become a YIPA member and take our youth development training too. Youth workers often play an important role in either supporting parents and caregivers, or acting as primary caregivers in a young person’s development into adulthood. Simply put, everyone needs to understand youth development! Our trainings do that.

Focus Area 2: Youth Development

Designing Impactful Art Programming

Youth Sexual Health: Historical Context, Consent, and Meaning!

Helping Young People Maintain Employment

Enhancing Executive Functioning Skills

The Joy of Mindfulness for All Ages

Effective Consent Education

A Systemic Approach to Youth Homelessness and Exploitation

Supporting Youth in Life Transitions, Career Exploration, and Workforce Navigation

Adopting a Mentoring Mindset

Helping Youth Make Healthy Choices

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Makes a Difference

Positive Youth Development in Talking About Sexuality Topics

The Trials and Tribulations of Adolescence

Youth Development Training for Youth Workers

Professional Development for Youth Workers

Frequently Asked Questions

More Ways to Learn and Grow!