Search Institute

Discovering What Kids Need to Succeed

admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:42:08 -0600

What's New?

02-03-2012 Search Institute Parent, Parent Educator Webinars Coming Soon!

Beginning in March, our parenting website, ParentFurther.com will be presenting a series of parent and parent educator geared webinars. If you are a parent or work with parents, you won't want to miss these exciting learning opportunities. These 60-minute, expert-guided presentations focus on some of today’s most popular parenting topics and hot-button issues. You’ll leave educated and equipped with research-backed parenting tools to use in your everyday life.

We want to hear from you!

Take our poll to let us know which webinar topic you're most interested in.

Learn more about the webinars >
Take the poll >

01-31-2012 The Search Institute Source is Here!

Search Institute's popular YouthSense and Asset Champion e-newsletters have now been combined into one, convenient tool! The Search Institute Source delivers the latest news, tools, free downloads, stories, trainer tips, and more, in one location--directly to your inbox. Sign up for the Search Institute Source today!

01-24-2012 Huffington Post Article Quotes Dr. Peter Benson, Urges Adults to Become Mentors

A recent article, Save the World, Mentor a Child, which appeared in the Huffington Post online, quotes wise words from the late Peter Benson, former President and CEO of Search Institute. In the spirit of National Mentoring Month, the article also urges readers to become stable, reliable, positive role models for our children. Read the full article >

01-20-2012 AstraZeneca,United Way of Delaware Kick Off Statewide Youth Health Initiative Rooted in 40 Developmental Assets

Wilmington, Delaware — AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) and United Way of Delaware today launched a $3.4 million youth health initiative to encourage young people in Delaware to make healthy choices, maintain good health, and succeed in school. The multi-year partnership—“Young Health Program: IM40”—is aimed at 12 to 15-year-olds who live in high-need neighborhoods in each of Delaware’s three counties.Rooted in the 40 Developmental Assets, and endorsed by Johns Hopkins University, “Young Health Program: IM40” will seek to increase the inventory of an adolescent’s assets—common sense, positive experiences and qualities that relate to such things as support, boundaries, values and commitment to learning.

Watch the video below for more information on the initiative.

Download the full media alert >
Learn more about "Young Health Program: IM40" >

What have you missed? View the front page archive >

ParentFurther will be hosting a series of parent/parent-educator geared webinars this year. Which topic interests you most?

jennyj — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:20:26 -0600

Search Institute Training & Speaking Open Enrollments—Our most popular trainings, open to the public.

jennyb — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:50:11 -0500

Open Enrollments are trainings that offer a limited number of seats to the public. They go fast so, reserve yours now!

These trainings are designed to prepare you to take your asset-building program to the next level. We offer trainings that will help you mobilize your community, deliver Search Institute trainings, develop a group of dedicated asset-building trainers, and more.

[BACK]

Resources for Libraries

peterh — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:33:51 -0600

Community Building Resources for Librarians

Librarians are doing some of the most important work in positive youth development today. Search Institute Press resources benefit libraries in three ways:

Programming: Our books of activities, games, mentoring tools, and community outreach ideas provide youth program leaders with thousands of ways to reach out to teens. Download the sample pages below to help you get started.

The Best of Building Assets Together

Great Group Games

Professional Development: Our research framework of 40 Developmental Assets offers a fresh way of looking at your work with children and teenagers. Learn more about specific ways that libraries can meet these assets by reviewing the download Developmental Assets and Library Connections.

Developmental Assets and Library Connections

Collection Development: Our books on your shelves serve a wide variety of audiences: professionals and parents, coaches and nurses, teachers and mentors, youth workers, and adult patrons who have caring relationships with youth in your neighborhood.

Parenting at the Speed of Teens

Parenting Preteens with a Purpose

Empowering Youth

Engage Every Parent

How Was Your Day at School?

Ordering Information

Our books are available from wholesalers nationwide and from Independent Publishers Group (800-888-4741, www.ipgbook.com). If you have any questions, or you’d like a review copy or a Search Institute Press trade catalog, contact Bill Kauffmann, Resource Specialist, at 612-692-5527, or billk@search-institute.org.

View our Trade Catalog

To learn more about our publishing program visit Search Institute Press.

Training of Trainers: Building Developmental Assets in School Communities

dalbright — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:49:24 -0500

This Training of Trainers event prepares participants to effectively deliver the popular workshop, Building Developmental Assets in School Communities.
With guidance from a master trainer, you’ll learn effective presentation techniques, alternative strategies for delivery, and methods for addressing participant questions. A detailed training curriculum helps you spread the message further, faster, and easier using your own capacity to sustain the momentum within your school system.

Key content:

Learn how to organize and facilitate a one-day asset-building workshop for your staff.
Learn how to accurately and effectively field questions from participants.
Gain a deeper understanding of how to create developmentally rich school communities.
Receive reference and recommended resources that will help participants implement Developmental Asset® strategies in the school community.
Verify 14 hours of training with a Certificate of Participation.

Who should attend:

Community coalition leaders
Concerned community members
Community organizers
Youth- and family-serving organization staff, particularly training staff

Length: Two days

CEU (Continuing Education Units) are available

Materials: The Asset Approach and 150 Ways to Show Kids You Care mini-poster. Each individual or team can also purchase the training resource library at $415 plus shipping, a $600 value. The library includes Search Institute publications to help educators build assets.

Download the Fact Sheet

All library materials are packaged in a rolling backpack to provide ease in transporting to training locations.

“A very well-designed TOT (and I have been to many). This was one of the best delivered by an engaging and empathetic trainer who inspires by modeling everything they stand for. Thank you!”

Purchase Order Information

rick — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:29:33 -0600

Today, ordering is easier than ever!
We now accept P.O.s for any orders placed through email, mail, fax, by phone, or online at www.searchinstitutestore.org. There is a no product minimum for all purchase orders. Terms are net 30 days from the date of the invoice. Late fees will be applied.

When placing an order online you will have the option to choose Purchase Order as your payment method. You will need to enter a valid purchase order number, but it will not be necessary to send a copy of your P.O. form.

When placing an order by phone, fax, or email, we will need a copy of your P.O. form sent to us. Please submit your P.O. via one method only (mail, email, or fax).

Take me to the store.

Request a Letter of Support for Grant Applications

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:44:19 -0500

Search Institute will provide a letter of support to any organization or community seeking funding for an asset-building project or initiative. Fill in the requested information below and Search Institute will respond to your request within two business days. If your request is urgent, please call 877-240-7251 for immediate assistance. We will customize your letter of support to meet the needs of your grant application.

National Night Out

dalbright — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:59:53 -0500

National Night Out is a great time to get to know your neighbors, build Assets, and fight crime in your community!

National Night Out is Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011. Find your local National Night Out Event >

Since its inception 28 years ago, National Night Out (NNO) has become so much more than just a “block party” about safety awareness. It’s still firmly grounded in heightening crime and drug prevention awareness, but it also clearly overlaps with asset-building activities in its goals of strengthening neighborhood spirit while building support and community partnerships with police and anti-crime programs. In the spirit of boosting Developmental Assets this National Night Out, Search Institute Trainer, Deborah Fisher, is sharing her tips for making your local NNO event an asset-rich one.Get Deborah Fisher’s tips for successful asset-building this National Night Out >

Visit www.nationalnightout.org to find out more, and use the resources below to help make your neighborhood’s National Night Out a success.

Make Your Neighborhood Event Fun and Meaningful

Asset-Building Ideas for Neighbors and Neighborhood Groups
This handout, from Pass It On!, contains great ideas for getting together with neighbors to make your community a better place for youth.
Search Institute Summer Tips
These business-card-sized handouts are great for handing out to people attending your National Night out or any other event. Just print them on perforated business-card sheets, and start spreading the asset message!

	Great Group Games A collection of fun and meaningful activities for people of all ages.
	Great Group Games for Kids Packed with creative ways to entertain groups of kids in grades K-5.
	I Noticed! Notes Use these kind, funny messages to “catch” your neighbor kids when they do something right.
	150 Ways to Show Kids You Care A thoughtful, refrigerator-sized poster you can afford to give every neighbor.
	Ready, Set, Grow! Lots of young children in your neighborhood? Give families a growth chart that measures both physical and emotional development.
	Conversations on the Go How do you make sure teenagers feel included at your event? Strike up meaningful chats with this insightful book of questions.
	Asset Category Stickers Based on Developmental Assets ®, these stickers remind neighbors about the things that matter most to kids, such as support, boundaries, and positive values.

Young People Around the World Give Back to Their Communities!

jennyj — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:33:19 -0500

Program Prepares Teens for Workforce, Supports Sparks and Dreams

jennyj — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:02:48 -0500

Assets Video by THRIVE!

jennyj — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:45:47 -0500

Youth Express Passion for Politics at Minnesota State Capitol

jennyj — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:13:07 -0500

Greenvale Park Elementary Puts Sparks Into Action

jennyj — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:30:10 -0500

Community Celebrates '100 Best' Award in Unique Way

jennyj — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:29:38 -0500

A Season of Appreciation: Holiday Gifts That Make a Difference

jennyb — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:58:01 -0600

Our fun and inspirational publications are the perfect way to show your gratitude. Thank parents by giving them fold-up mini posters to post on the refrigerator. Make a teacher’s job easier with a time-saving activity book such as Great Group Skits.

Whether you’re shopping for a professional or a member of your family, you can find what you’re looking for at Search Institute. Any family member will welcome a copy of Conversations on the Go or Stay Close. And books like Building Character from the Start are great for teachers and program staff.

Save 10%! Visit the Search Institute Store for details.

Gifts for Teachers and Program Staff
Show teachers and staff members that you care with these gifts.

How Was Your Day at School? — Improve your school as a workplace, avoid teacher burnout, and increase retention.

Just When I Needed You — Be inspired by adults who made a difference in the lives of youth.

Great Group Games — Over 175 games to disband cliques and build friendships between students.

View more gifts for teachers and program staff

Gifts for Mentors
Thank a mentor with one of these gifts this holiday season.

Just When I Needed You — Be inspired by adults who made a difference in the lives of youth.

Activities on the Go — These activities help kids and adults connect. And they’re fun!

Take It Personally — Find out how you can build assets in every child’s life in this workbook.

View more gifts for mentors

Gifts for Parents and Families
Any parent or family member will appreciate these thoughtful gifts.

Launching Your Teen into Adulthood — Preparing a teen to enter the adults world is tough. Find insight and help in this book.

Ready, Set, Grow! posters — This growth chart provides helpful tips for fostering a child’s development.

Playful Reading — Learn how to turn your kids’ favorite children’s books into asset-building learning experiences.

View more gifts for parents and families

The Power of Mentoring—Free Tools

gener — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:32:41 -0500

Forming Successful Mentoring Relationships

Mentoring relationships provide young people with a valuable source of support, but many adults feel reluctant or shy about becoming mentors. The tools below describe the benefits of mentoring and offer effective strategies for developing relationships that make a difference in kids’ lives.

FREE Mentoring Tools and Downloads

Thank a mentor with a special “thank you” e-card

Tools for Mentoring Adolescents
(Developed in cooperation with the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota.)

What’s Working? Tools for Evaluating Your Mentoring Program

Sample handouts from Mentoring for Meaningful Results:

Asset-Building Resources for Mentors

Mentoring for Meaningful Results
The complete guide for mentoring program leaders. Learn how to start and maintain a successful mentoring program in your school, organization, or community.

Activities on the Go
This handy resource contains great ideas for fun one-on-one activities that build relationships between kids and adults.

Conversations on the Go
Conversations are at the core of successful mentoring relationships. Use these ideas to get—and keep—kids talking.

Mentoring and Sparks

Discover how mentors can change lives by igniting sparks. >

Download – This free, downloadable worksheet will help you explore possible sparks with your mentee.

Mentoring and Developmental Assets

Building strong relationships is at the core of both mentoring and building Developmental Assets. Because of this, the assets framework fits seamlessly with a mentoring program, which allows both young people and adults to form and sustain relationships across generations, and is an excellent way to intentionally form connections between kids and adults.

Learn more about Developmental Assets

Mentoring Links

MENTOR
Learn how to become a mentor, start your own program, find resources to improve your program, find information on statewide mentoring partnerships, and read mentoring-related news.

April is Financial Literacy Month!

jennyb — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:33:41 -0500

Did You Know?

The more Developmental Assets that kids have, the more likely they are to make smart money management choices. While 72 percent of young people who have 31 to 40 Developmental Assets save money, only 27 percent of young people with 10 Developmental Assets or less save money.¹

Get the Tools You Need

Search Institute has the tools to help you make the most of Financial Literacy Month. You can improve your kids’ personal financial literacy by teaching them key financial skills. Search Institute can help you talk to your kids about money and the values that will help them make wise financial decisions in the future. Giving kids opportunities to help improve their money skills will benefit them now and help them become financially responsible adults.

ParentFurther: a Search Institute Resource for Families
Kids and Money: An Introduction

BankIt
A financial education resource for parent and teens created by Capital One and Search Institute

Youth, Money, and Assets: A Positive Approach to Spending, Saving, and Giving

This workshop is designed for youth and adults to explore together the mixed messages about money and learn how to have open dialogue about this challenging topic. Learn more >

Download the Fact Sheet

_________________________________________________________
1. Developmental Assets: A Profile of Your Youth (Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute, 2005), 2003 weighted aggregate dataset, unpublished report.

Conversation Generator: Fun and Easy Ways to Connect with Kids

jennyb — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:52:10 -0500

If this one doesn't suit you, click the button for more ideas.

For more great ideas, check out the Activity Generator!

Would you like the Conversation Generator on your Web site? Download the Conversation Generator

Featured Publications

For even more conversations, try Conversations on the Go: Clever Questions to Keep Teens and Grown-Ups Talking, a Search Institute Press Publication.

Propellers: Quick Questions to Launch Good Conversations, a Search Institute Press Publication.

Workshop - Mentoring Conference - Kenosha, WI

rick — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:18:41 -0600

Nancy Tellett-Royce will be delivering a workshop at the Mentoring conference. For more information call or write Donna Duffey at vision@fairpoint.net or 1-800-294-4322

Marilyn Peplau, Trainer

peterh — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:43:05 -0500

Marilyn “Pep” Peplau
Search Institute Trainer
Home State: Wisconsin

Professional Expertise
Marilyn Peplau is an educator, speaker, consultant, and trainer with expertise in the areas of:

Developmental Assets
Student assistance programs
Healthy Communities • Healthy Youth initiatives
Asset-building practice in communities
Read Marylin’s tips on tailoring sparks to different settings

Contributions to Search Institute
As a contract trainer for Search Institute, Peplau serves as a speaker, trainer, and training program designer for organizations (especially schools) and communities interested in building Developmental Assets for and with youth, starting a community-wide asset-building initiative, or creating community change on behalf of youth.

Peplau assisted Search Institute in developing the Building Developmental Assets in School Communities training, and Change of Heart school retreat. With a passion for writing, she’s contributed to countless Search Institute resources, including Great Places to Learn, You Have to Live It, Pass It On, and What Young Children Need to Succeed. Your Classroom: Simple Ways to Create a Positive Learning Climate fulfilled her 7th grade English teacher’s prophecy of writing a book(let) some day!

Major Workshops and Training Programs

Trainer at PIPfests, high schools, community, and state youth conferences (more than 500 training events)
Asset-building presenter at Wisconsin State Superintendents’ Conference
Facilitator of CESA workshops on asset building and resiliency
Lead advisor for natural peer helping program.

Awards and Honors

Wisconsin Secondary School Counselor of the Year
Wisconsin Home Economics Association “New Achiever” Award
Wisconsin Home Economics Association Teacher of the Year
Vision Training Associates’ Outstanding Relationship Building Award

Professional History
In addition to her long-term commitment to New Richmond High School and work with Search Institute, Peplau served as a Teaching and Learning Facilitator at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Master of Education program where she:

Proactively guided teachers pursuing a master’s degree in education as they identify, investigate, and transform their beliefs and practices about teaching and learning
Used the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards as primary content for the incorporation of best practices and theory as part of individual and community-wide learning experiences
Worked collaboratively and cooperatively to develop training and authentic assessments

Former positions include:

26+ years as a high school classroom teacher and guidance counselor in New Richmond, Wisconsin, school community
Guidance counselor for New Richmond High School, New Richmond, Wisconsin
Family/consumer education teacher, New Richmond, Wisconsin

(She also values her middle school coaching experience and one day as a 2nd grade teacher!)

Professional Activities

Member of CESA #11 Assessment Development Team
Charter Member, School Improvement Management Team
Member, National Center for Research in Vocational Education
Member, University of Minnesota “New Design for Comprehensive High Schools”

Community Activities

5-year leader, New Richmond Healthy Communities • Healthy Youth team
Liaison and columnist for weekly newspaper column on assets
St. Croix County’s American Cancer Society “Relay for Life”
Local United Way Board
New Richmond Area Foundation Executive Board Member

Education

Wisconsin Certification in Guidance and Counseling, grades 6–12, University of Wisconsin—River Falls, Wisconsin
M.S., home economics education, University of Wisconsin—Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin
B.S., home economics education, University of Wisconsin—Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Request Marilyn Peplau for the following trainings by calling Search Institute Training at 800-294-4322 (outside the United States, dial 207-642-6270).

What’s Up with Our Kids?
Everyone’s an Asset Builder
Sharing the Asset Message
Building Developmental Assets in School Communities
Deepening Asset Building in School Communities
Building Developmental Assets in School Communities TOT
Change of Heart: A Student & Staff Asset-Building Retreat (also available as a Training of Trainers event)
Powerful Teaching

Search Institute Teams with Major Youth and Education Advocates To Host Inaugural BigTent Conference.

peterh — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 08:53:16 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Search Institute Teams with Major Youth and Education Advocates
To Host Inaugural BigTent Conference in Houston Nov. 18-20,
Former Deputy Assistant to President Clinton Henry C. Lozano and
Search Institute CEO Peter Benson Listed Among Keynote Speakers

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Oct. 1, 2010) — Search Institute (www.search-institute.org) is rallying youth and education advocates to Houston for the “first of its kind” BigTent Conference to equip them with collaborative and effective solutions for implementation when they return to their home base.

Building upon more than 50 years of positive youth development work, Search Institute is hosting the BigTent Conference Nov. 18-20, 2010, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Search Institute has teamed to present this national conference with numerous strategic partners and sponsors who are equally committed to making a meaningful difference for youth.
The BigTent Conference is designed to attract thousands of youth-serving professionals, volunteers, and young peopleunder one “big tent” to focus on the betterment of kids in every community in America. BigTent targets teachers, school administrators, business and community leaders, elected officials, faith-based organizations, youth programs, child psychologists, family counselors, parents and students. The conference combines presentations, practical workshops, celebratory community building, and a challenging call to action. This unprecedented event aims to motivate and equip individuals, organizations, and communities to do their part to ensure that young people are ready for college, work, and life by age 21.
Henry C. Lozano, a featured keynote speaker at BigTent on Nov. 20, will present “Taking The BigTent Back Home.” As executive director of the Shinnyo-en Foundation, Lozano has been instrumental in promoting the foundation’s “Six Billion Paths to Peace” initiative both in the U.S. and around the world. Lozano’s years of public service culminated in his post at the White House as deputy assistant to President Bill Clinton and director of USA Freedom Corps. He is a graduate of Teen Challenge, a recovery program, and has been a champion for many causes, especially those related to substance abuse prevention and recovery programs.

“Advancing the idea of positive child and adolescent development should be a national priority. The reality is that no single person, organization or program has all of the answers to the challenges facing today’s youth,” commented Dr. Peter L.Benson, president and chief executive officer of Search Institute for 25 years. “By bringing multiple perspectives and approaches under one ‘big tent,’ Search Institute is encouraging organizations and individuals to share strategies, build relationships, learn new techniques, and engage in meaningful dialogue. By collaborating and aligning our resources, we can maximize the impact and effectiveness of existing messages, programs, and efforts aimed at youth and education in cities and towns throughout our nation—even though school districts are facing budget cuts, and funding of foundations and non-profit organizations is shrinking.”

Representing Search Institute, which is one of eight Founding Partners of the BigTent, Dr. Benson will serve as the host for the conference. Dr. Benson is one of the world’s leading authorities on positive human development. He is the author of more than 100 articles and chapters in scientific journals and edited books. His international reputation in human development emerged in the 1990s through his innovative, research-based framework of Developmental Assets, the most widely recognized approach to positive youth development in the United States and, increasingly, around the world. His vision, research, and public voice have led to a sea change in research, practice, and policy. Dr. Benson’s work has inspired and guided more than 600 community-based initiatives in 45 states, in every Canadian province, and on six continents.

“Search Institute is extremely grateful to our founding partners, sponsors and convening partners for contributing their time, talent and financial resources to making the BigTent Conference a reality for 2010.” said Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, vice president of Search Institute. He serves as the liaison with numerous youth-serving organizations in the United States and other countries.

Joining Search Institute, other Founding Partners of BigTent include American Association of School Administrators (www.aasa.org), America’s Promise Alliance (www.americaspromise.org), American Institutes for Research (www.air.org), the Forum for Youth Investment www.forumfyi.org, the National Collaboration for Youth (www.collab4youth.org), and United Way (www.liveunited.org). Each of these organizations is committed to the goals of the BigTent Conference and will continue to work together to ensure the success of future BigTent conferences.

BigTent sponsors include Holthouse Foundation for Kids, nFocus Software, Houston Endowment Inc., Lilly Endowment, Ready by 21, Target Corporation, Capital One Financial Corporation, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Naviance, State Farm, the YMCA of Greater Houston, YMCA of the USA, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, YMCA of Greater Williamson Country, YMCA of Greater San Antonio, YMCA of Austin, Texas, Boys Scouts of America, Houston CPA Society, Park Nicollet Foundation, and The Simmons Foundation. Collectively, these sponsors have contributed more than $500,000, which demonstrates their deep commitment positive to youth development.

Convening partners are working with BigTent founding partners with grassroots effort to communicate the goals of the conference and recruit attendees.
Healthy Communities Healthy Youth, a Search Institute Initiative; along with Afterschool Alliance; All Kids Alliance; American Leadership Forum; Big Brothers Big Sisters Houston; Boy Scouts of America; Boys & Girls Clubs of America; The Children’s Assessment Center; Children At Risk; City Year; Communities in Schools; Cooperative Baptist Fellowship; Corporate Voices for Working Families; Generations United; Girl Scouts of the USA; The Indiana Youth Institute; National 4-H Council; National Child Protection Training Center; National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education, and Families; National School Climate Center; National Youth Leadership Council; The Salvation Army; Voices for America’s Children; The Y (YMCA); Youth Advocate Programs; and Youth Service America.
More About the BigTent Conference

BigTent will feature more than 150 workshops, keynotes and featured events. Registration fees range from $395 to $525. Early bird, student and group discounts are available. Please visit www.bigtentconference.com for details.

About Search Institute

Search Institute is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, schools, and communities. To accomplish this mission, the institute generates and communicates new knowledge, and brings together community, state, and national leaders. At the heart of the institute’s work is the framework of 40 Developmental Assets, which are positive experiences and personal qualities that young people need to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. For more information, visit www.search-institute.org.

Media Contacts:

Phil Rose, director of sales and marketing for Search Institute
612/692-5507, 952/212-9890 or philr@search-institute.or

Laura Pennino, senior public relations consultant for Search Institute
281/286-9398, 713/419-1776 mobile, or lp@penninoandpartners.com

Developmental Assets are Free!

admin — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:29:07 -0600

We have a wealth of resources that won’t cost you a cent!

Free Resource Downloads

Looking for ideas of how to use these resources?

Well, here are some great examples of places utilizing Search Institute’s free asset resources:

Bain Bridge, Georgia A community showcased each asset on DA list on their community website weekly.

Los Alamos Local community newspaper wrote an article about one of the 40 Developmental Assets and how it can help youth make better decisions.

Free Webinars and Podcasts

Check out our Webinar and Podcast Library – updated regularly!
A great way to gather information from Search Institute’s trainings and workshops!

Free Ways to Connect with Youth

Anyone working with or have daily interaction with youth would love this section, because it has clever methods to engage youth & children while also building on their assets.

Example of how Search Institute’s activities are being shared:
5 Minutes For Mom> This online resource for mothers used one of Search Institute’s activities of reading to youth and children, and talks about the importance of reading to youth while making it fun and engaging

Free Research Findings about Assets

This section showcases Search Institute research in various sectors and communities to help you gain a better understanding of assets.

Example of how Search Institute’s research is being used:
Times Reporter> Local Ohio newspaper featured some of Search Institute’s research in their article about Father’s Day.

Free E-newsletters (and archives of all newsletters)

Free Grant-Writing Help

Grant Writing Resources

Search Institute Partners with Target to Promote Summer Learning

jennyb — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:18:12 -0500

Powerful Tips for Parents Help Kids Continue to Learn throughout the Summer

Target® has launched a new social marketing campaign based on the research of Minneapolis-based Search Institute®. Each week, new tips will be posted on the Target Facebook page that helps parents encourage their kids to keep learning and creating throughout the summer. Search Institute’s Facebook page expands on these tips and offers even more resources for parents this summer.

Studies of more than 2.2 million young people consistently show that the more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors

The Target Summer Learning Tips are based in Search Institute’s positive youth development, resiliency, and prevention research. This research led to the framework of the Developmental Assets which are 40 common sense, positive experiences and qualities that help influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults.

Studies of more than 2.2 million young people consistently show that the more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors and the more likely they are to thrive. Assets have power for all young people, regardless of their gender, economic status, family, or race/ethnicity, and are better predictors of high-risk involvement and thriving than poverty or being from a single-parent family.

“Search Institute is proud to partner with Target on the Facebook Summer Learning Series,” stated Peter Benson, President and CEO of Search Institute. He continued, “We hope this campaign helps parents make the most of the summer and helps their kids be better prepared for school in the fall.”

According to the National Summer Learning Association, all students experience learning losses when they don’t engage in educational activities over the summer.

Students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer.
Most students lose almost three months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months.
Low-income students also lose more than two months in reading achievement.

The Target Summer Learning Series and the Search Institute Facebook campaign will continue into August with weekly updates and tips for parents of children ages 3-13. Join Search Institute and Target on a summer adventure filled with creativity, adventure, and learning. www.facebook.com/SearchInstitute

Teacher Appreciation

jennyb — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:12:35 -0500

Strategies You Can Use: Get a Personal Perspective on the Assets

dalbright — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:52:57 -0600