Search Institute® is a leading global innovator in discovering what children and adolescents need to succeed in their families, schools, and communities. Drawing on extensive research, Search Institute brings hopeful solutions to pressing challenges in the lives of young people and their communities.
Our vision is for a world where all young people are valued and thrive. We work toward this vision through applied research and evaluation as well as by providing tools, resources, and services to support positive change in communities and society.
How Do We Work?
Search Institute helps people understand what kids need to succeed and to take action based on that knowledge. We do this by
- conducting high-quality research and evaluation that deepens knowledge of young people, what they need, and how to care for and work with them more effectively;
- providing tools, resources, and services to equip parents, educators, youth workers, policy makers, and other leaders to create a world where all young people are valued and thrive;
- collaborating with partners to broaden and deepen commitments, capacity, and effectiveness in fostering healthy development and thriving among children and adolescents.
Who Do We Serve?
Search Institute serves all sectors of society, including K–12 schools and higher education, faith communities, youth-serving organizations, social-service organizations, families, businesses, and the public sector.
- Nearly 600 communities in 45 states and 5 Canadian provinces have launched initiatives based on Search Institute’s approach. The work has expanded to dozens of countries around the world.
- In the past decade, approximately 6 million people have attended an asset-building presentation, and 300,000 people have received asset-building training.
- About 3 million young people in thousands of communities have been surveyed since 1990.
