40 Developmental Assets

Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets are concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people. These assets have the power to influence choices young people make during critical adolescent years and help them become caring, responsible adults.

The Developmental Asset framework is categorized into two groups of 20 assets. External assets are the positive experiences young people receive from the world around them. These 20 assets are about supporting and empowering young people, about setting boundaries and expectations, and about positive and constructive use of young people’s time. External assets identify important roles that families, schools, congregations, neighborhoods, and youth organizations can play in promoting healthy development.

The twenty internal assets identify those characteristics and behaviors that reflect positive internal growth and development of young people. These assets are about positive values and identities, social competencies, and commitment to learning. The internal Developmental Assets will help these young people make thoughtful and positive choices and, in turn, be better prepared for situations in life that challenge their inner strength and confidence.

Incorporating assets into the classroom can be a powerful experience for both students and educators. The Developmental Asset framework focuses on building strengths in young people and meeting the needs of the whole child while promoting learning and school success. Incorporating the assets into their teaching practices will also reignite the educator’s passion for nurturing eager young learners that brought them into classrooms and schools in the first place.