View the list of 40 Developmental Assets®

Developmental Assets are the key building blocks necessary for young people to become healthy, caring, resilient, and successful. There are external assets (such as feeling support from caring adults and peers, having useful roles in their community, and using free time constructively), and internal assets (such as motivation to learn, a positive set of values, and good social skills).

Research conducted by Search Institute® in Minnesota shows that the more assets a young person has, the more likely he or she is to succeed in school and be helpful, healthy, and productive citizens. There is a proven link between the number of Developmental Assets and academic achievement. Furthermore, the same research shows that young people with more assets are less likely to be involved with drugs, alcohol, or other risky behaviors.

The asset framework is not a program that someone is supposed to do. It's a path that anyone can take - a way of relating to kids that anyone can choose. This framework lets individuals and groups immediately set out to assist young people. Alone or together, their actions will really help kids. Every child and teen needs positive connections with many supportive adults and peers. Asset Building provides a way to celebrate and improve on how we relate to young people.

Alaska ICE works in schools, with tribes, with youth-serving programs, and with entire communities to promote the shared responsibility of all members of the community to build assets in all young people. Asset Building provides the foundation for all of Alaska ICE's Community Engagement efforts.

An elder from Kake, Alaska put it well in their description of the 40 Developmental Assets:

"This is so simple! All it is is 40 words that describe love."

Some key principles of Asset Building we promote at Alaska ICE:

• It's about relationships. Asset building is about helping people build good relationships with children and teenagers. Peter Benson of Search Institute says, "It's time to move beyond programs to figure out practical, easy ways more adults (other than professionals) can get involved in helping young people thrive."



• All children need assets. Nearly all children and adolescents could use more assets than they now have. Children with special problems deserve special attention, but the community-wide effort to help all kids grow up will benefit everyone.



• Everyone has a role to play. Different people have different things to offer children. Along with parents, children can be positively influences by other throughout the community, including their peers.



• The process is ongoing. Every stage of a child's development is important. Each one builds on experiences from the previous stage. It is never too early to build assets, and it's never too late.



• No single asset is the answer. Focusing on building particular assets is not really the point. The more assets a child has, the more likely that child will succeed.



• Small things count. Simple, everyday actions can acknowledge a child's presence and invite contribution. Over time these small things provide a solid foundation for growth and support.



• Repetition is good. Youth need to hear and see and experience positive messages often and from a lot of different people.

More information on Asset Building

Developmental Assets and Search Institute are registered trademarks of Search Institute.

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