Embedding a Racial Equity Perspective in the Positive Youth Development Approach

The primary purpose of this brief is to explain how programs that use a positive youth development approach (PYD programs) can embed a racial equity perspective so that they can more effectively engage with, support, and meet the needs of youth and young adults of color whom they serve. To do so, the authors begin by defining the terms positive youth development and racial equity lens. Next, the authors provide a set of principles to guide all PYD programs, regardless of their setting, in embedding a racial equity perspective in their practices. Finally, as an example of a new setting for using PYD, the authors provide information about the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Generation Work initiative, a workforce training model for young adults, and highlight some ways in which Generation Work is embedding a racial equity perspective in its practices.