Program Approach and Philosophy

Positive youth development activities outside of a school setting have been linked with decreases in substance abuse, youth violence, gang activity, teen pregnancy, and school drop-out rates. Positive activities have also been connected with improvement in academic achievement as well as school and community connectedness.

—National Institute on Out-of-School Time 

 
   

The positive youth development approach suggests that helping young people to achieve their full potential is the best way to prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors (National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth, 2007). The knowledge, confidence, reasoning, and leadership skills gained though youth development projects spearheaded by North Star give youths self-assurance, positive direction, and an opportunity to realize a future in which they can be successful.

North Star’s well-designed programs and effective guidance and support, engages youth in activities that employ a strategy with dual results:
(1) youth gain and strengthen competencies necessary for future success
(2) their peers and the community benefit from the in-school and community services provided by these young people.

We offer a variety of after-school programs, events and opportunities to help young people build resiliency and resources. North Star Youth Partnership programs are open to all age-appropriate youth.