Urban Youth Programs in America: A Study of Youth, Community, and Social Justice
University of Washington, College of Architecture and Urban Planning

The success stories of low-income and minority youth transforming the deplorable urban communities where they live is eloquently reported in a new study, conducted for the Ford Foundation by a research team headed by Sharon E. Sutton of the University of Washington’s College of Architecture and Urban Planning.

The criteria used to screen and select the drop-in, after school programs were: a commitment to social justice, community-based, serve low-income or minority communities, at least one year old, and include a community services component. Programs were accepted only through referral. The study population was winnowed down to 88 youth development programs - 90% of them community-based organizations serving youth ages 12-28.

In spite of living in decrepit urban conditions --- high poverty and unemployment, deteriorated housing, environmental degradation, heightened street crime and gang activity --- and with limited transportation options, these outstanding young people develop a place-based activism for improving their immediate surroundings. Viewed as assets by the adult staff of the grassroots organizations who serve them, the urban youth utilize their fresh perspective to advocate for a more physical and tactile understanding of their neighborhood, and succeed in transforming their own lives and their communities.

The most transformative youth programs in the study engaged young people in social change by connecting youth with their communities and enabling them to work with adult allies to take action. As agents of change, youth experience meaningful involvement as participants in the community and positive youth development opportunities and personal growth.

The study was conducted over a 29-month period and encompassed several layers of exploratory research including focus groups, phone surveys, and interviews. Programs were evaluated on four categories: program context, program principles, program content, and self-reported outcomes.

Examining the characteristics of why these programs succeed, the authors offer a set of recommendations to help pave the way for the development of other youth-centered, community-engaged initiatives that transform both the negative stereotypes of urban youth but also the approach to youth development. An inspiring read!

Executive Summary (PDF)

Contact: Sharon E. Sutton, University of Washington at sesut@y.washington.edu