Quality programs offer a variety of activities that are active, developmentally appropriate, and culturally sensitive to enrich the physical, social, emotional and creative development of all participants. The program has identified their desired youth outcomes and has directly connected program activities to those goals.
Quality programs purposefully create a welcoming environment. Programs develop, nurture, and maintain positive relationships and interactions among participants and staff while creating a sense of security, belonging, and ownership.
Quality programs promote a sense of purpose and individual empowerment in youth through opportunities to engage in a rich variety of experiences, participate in planning, and exercise choice and leadership as well as implement and evaluate program activities.
Quality programs create a safe and adaptive environment which recognizes that culture, family and personal history is core to a young person’s identity formation. The program is respectful and responsive to the diversity of program participants, their families, and community.
Quality programs communicate their value to and connect with the wider community. Programs establish and maintain strong working partnerships with families, schools, and community stakeholders.
Quality programs are effective organizations with a coherent mission, well-developed systems, and sound fiscal management to support and enhance quality programming and activities for all participants.
Quality programs ensure competent, motivated, youth-centered staff and volunteers through effective orientation, training, and a philosophy that values continued professional development.