and Power Conclusions Future Directions REFERENCES APPENDIXES implicated in youth problem behavior; l identify and summarize the results of evaluations of positive youth development interventions; and l identify elements contributing to both the success and lack of success in positive youth development programs and program evaluations, as well as potential improvements in evaluation approaches. Defining Positive Youth DevelopmentPositive youth development is not yet well defined. This study has identified a set of recognizable features of positive youth development programs, which generally seek to achieve one or more of the following objectives:l promote bonding l foster resilience l promote social, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and moral competence l foster self-determination l foster spirituality l foster self-efficacy l foster clear and positive identity l foster belief in the future l provide recognition for positive behavior and opportunities for prosocial involvement l foster prosocial norms (healthy standards for behavior). Selecting Programs for ReviewThe programs reviewed for this study all sought to achieve one or more of these positive youth development objectives with youths aged 6-20. Programs were not included if their activities represented treatment of, or a response to a diagnosed disorder or behavior problem. All evaluations of these programs were considered against the usual standard in the field -research designs employing control or at least strong comparison groups --and all had to measure youth behavioral outcomes.Seventy-seven positive youth development programs with evaluated interventions were selected and analyzed for their effects. Twenty-five of these programs were ultimately designated as "effective" based on the evidence presented in the evaluation. The 52 other programs were generally excluded either because the evaluation did not meet the study's scientific criteria, or, in spite of meeting the criteria, there was no evidence their program components produced an impact. Regrettably, some positive youth development programs with potential could not be fully considered in the review due to being in the early implementation stages of their study or because they lacked an evaluation component.

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