The backbone of positive youth development programs is research. The Extension Center for Youth Development conducts and shares out-of-school time research and evaluation with policy makers, stakeholders, program leaders, youth work practitioners, decision makers and researchers to address important issues related to the field of youth development.
We deliver:
- Original research of our own and in partnership with others
- Evaluation studies to measuring effectiveness and outcomes
- Public symposia on youth development research and ideas
- Networking opportunities with youth development stakeholders in Minnesota, the United States and around the world
Featured Research, Publications & Events
Exploring the Supply and Demand for Community Learning Opportunities in Minnesota
This report, also known as the "Gap Study," documents the gap between supply and demand for youth development programs in the state. 2009
The Positive Development of Youth 
(2.6 MB PDF)
National 4-H Council
A report from the first five years of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, sometimes referred to as "The Tufts Study." 2009
MySpace, Facebook, and Youth: What Do Social Network Sites Have To Offer Youth Development?
Dr. Christine Greenhow
Youth have always been peer-oriented. Has online social networking changed anything for them? Greenhow presents emerging research on youth experiences in popular online social network sites and considers their implications for the field of youth development. 2009
