Why do some kids grow up with ease, while others struggle? Why do some kids get involved in dangerous activities, while others spend their time contributing to society? Why do some youth "beat the odds" in difficult situations, while others get trapped?
Many factors influence why some young people have successes in life
and why others have a harder time. Economic circumstances, genetics, trauma,
and many other factors play a role. But these factors-which seem difficult,
if not impossible, to change-aren’t all that matters. Search Institute,
a nonprofit, independent research organization based in Minneapolis,
The bad news is that the vast majority of young people in the United States - regardless of race or ethnicity, age, gender, cultural background, religion, or income level-experience too few of the assets. Indeed, on average, young people report experiencing just 18 of the 40 assets.
The good news is that everyone from all walks of life can help build assets. You don’t have to be a parent, a teacher, a youth worker, or a counselor (though these people certainly have important roles in asset building). You can be a child, teenager, single adult, parent, grandparent- anyone can build assets.