The ROCK Youth Center’s three-year effort to build developmental assets and encourage youth to make good choices is paying off, according to an independent program analysis conducted by The Legacy Center for Community Success.

“About three years ago, we began searching for a practical way to assist young people in discovering themselves,” says Beverlee Wenzel, executive director for The ROCK Youth Center in Midland, Mich. “Out of that search came ROCK Exposure and an important program called Exposure PX2 R.”
The PX2 program hones in on encouraging individuals to make smart choices, choose right from wrong, and better themselves as young adults. R addresses critical concepts and skills that young adults need to better themselves in the future. When the two programs are paired together, it creates a well-rounded approach to help students succeed in life.

The Legacy Center evaluated the students using the Developmental Assets Profile (DAP), designed by the Search Institute in Minneapolis, Minn. Developmental Assets are defined as being 40 common sense, positive experiences and qualities that help influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible, successful adults. Research has shown that when Developmental Assets are increased, risk-taking behavior decreases. The DAP is designed to provide a standardized description of an individual’s Developmental Assets as they perceive them.
“Asset building is one of the five strategic goals in the Midland County Youth Master Plan. This particular goal focuses on developing assets through social opportunities, mentoring programs, enhanced life experiences, and increased involvement in sports and fitness programs.” says Jennifer Heronema, president and chief executive officer of The Legacy Center.

The DAP survey was administered before and after the program to approximately 94 male and female students. As a group, the students scored higher in all eight developmental asset categories after participating in the ROCK Exposure PX2 R Program. Moreover, this difference was statistically significant in every asset area for the combined group. The most significant difference, however, was the area of positive identity, suggesting that the students have higher levels of self-esteem and a more positive view of their future after participating in the program.
The DAP contains 58 items that provide a quick, valid report of the types and levels of developmental asset categories presently being practiced by adolescents. Of these, 26 are external assets and 32 are internal assets. The external side of the spectrum is represented by four major categories, including support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time. The internal side of the spectrum is also represented by four major categories, including commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity.

 

In the figure to the right, the pre- and post-test composite scores for the External Developmental Asset categories are shown as compared to the highest possible standard score of 30 for each asset category. rock
rock2 In the figure to the left, the pre- and post-test composite scores for the Internal Developmental Asset categories are shown as compared to the highest possible standard score of 30 for each asset category.

 

The program has proven to be effective and increase the amount of positive reinforcement in each individual’s life.
For more information contact 989-496-1425.

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