The Core Principles of Positive Youth Development You Should Know
At Unity Queens, we believe that every young woman has untapped potential, a voice worth hearing, and a purpose worth pursuing. That belief is the foundation of everything we do—and it’s grounded in a powerful, evidence-based approach called Positive Youth Development.
Since 2018, Unity Queens has provided transformational experiences through our youth development program, empowering girls across communities to rise in confidence and purpose. Founded by Sophia Laster and Brieanna Lightfoot Smith—two women with close to over 20 years of experience as youth development specialists—Unity Queens blends Christian mentorship and real-world opportunities to help girls discover who they are and who they’re called to be.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or community leader, understanding the Positive Youth Development framework can help you make a lasting impact in the lives of young people. In this blog, we’ll break down the core principles of this approach, share how Unity Queens applies them through our program and year-round initiatives, and offer practical ways you can put them into action.
What Is Positive Youth Development?
Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a strengths-based approach that focuses on building up the existing talents, interests, and skills of young people. Rather than seeing youth as problems to be fixed, this model views them as assets to be developed. It’s about empowering them to grow into healthy, capable, and engaged adults.
The Positive Youth Development framework includes key principles like youth voice, caring adult relationships, and skill-building opportunities. Programs built on this foundation foster confidence, resilience, leadership, and connection.
At Unity Queens, our programs—especially our mentorship groups and seasonal events like our Mother’s Day Brunch—are all built around this philosophy. We don’t just guide girls through activities. We walk with them as they step into purpose and leadership.
Why Positive Youth Development Matters
Too often, youth programs focus solely on fixing negative behavior or improving academic scores. While those outcomes are important, they don’t tell the whole story. The Positive Youth Development framework digs deeper. It focuses on helping youth discover their strengths, build character, and connect to their communities.
When youth feel seen, supported, and empowered, they thrive. And when young women—especially those facing systemic challenges—are given the tools to lead, the ripple effects are powerful.
That’s why our youth development program combines mentoring, leadership development, creative expression, and spiritual growth. It’s a holistic approach rooted in real impact—and supported by countless positive youth development examples.
The 6 Core Principles of Positive Youth Development
Let’s dive into the six key principles that shape our programs and philosophy at Unity Queens:
1. Youth Voice and Leadership
Youth deserve more than participation—they deserve ownership. One of the most important aspects of Positive Youth Development is giving youth the opportunity to speak, lead, and influence the programs designed for them.
Our girls help shape the direction of our workshops, contribute to brainstorming events, and share their ideas in safe spaces. Whether they’re leading an activity in our 10 week curriculum based program or giving feedback on our community activities, they’re not just being taught—they’re being trusted.
2. Caring Adult Relationships
Behind every thriving young person is a caring adult who believes in them. One of the most effective positive youth development examples is the connection between a young person and a mentor who consistently shows up.
Our team of youth development specialists provides that consistent support. Through our mentorship model, we walk alongside each participant, offering encouragement, accountability, and love rooted in faith.
Whether it’s a quick check-in or a deep life conversation, these relationships matter and help lives.
3. Skill-Building Opportunities
Life is more than academics. Young people need opportunities to develop life skills—communication, critical thinking, leadership, and goal-setting.
At Unity Queens, our program includes workshops, group projects, and creative experiences that challenge girls to grow. Inside our Passion Unit, participants have the opportunity to research ways they can use their skills to improve community organizations, preparing them for both school and life.
4. Safe, Inclusive Spaces
Before growth can happen, youth need to feel safe—emotionally, socially, and physically. That’s why every Unity Queens experience is designed to be inclusive, culturally responsive, and welcoming.
Our team prioritizes the emotional and spiritual well-being of every participant. As part of our Christian mentorship approach, we create spaces where faith is celebrated and girls are free to ask hard questions and explore who they are in Christ.
In a world full of pressure and performance, we offer safety and belonging.
5. Opportunities to Contribute
When youth are invited to give back, they discover their ability to make a difference. One key element of the Positive Youth Development framework is giving youth meaningful ways to contribute to their communities.
Unity Queens offers community service days, peer mentoring roles, and leadership labs where girls create and implement service-based projects. During our program, participants take part in impact-driven activities that serve others—and in doing so, they see themselves as leaders.
These aren’t just projects. They’re purpose-building moments.
6. Strengths-Based Approach
Every young person has strengths—gifts, talents, and qualities that make them unique. Our role is to help them see those strengths, name them, and use them.
Unlike traditional programs that focus on what's lacking, our Queening It! program builds from a foundation of abundance. We speak life over our participants, call out their potential, and remind them they were created with intention.
Everything we do is designed to help girls shine in their unique brilliance.
Positive Youth Development in Action: Real Stories
Here are a few real-world positive youth development examples from Unity Queens:
Queening It Mentorship: A cornerstone of our Christian mentorship model, our girls are paired with young professionals in the community who help them dream bigger and also have an opportunity to build connections with another woman in the world who is rooting for them.
Summer Youth Program Experience: A multi-week intensive where girls engage in leadership training, team projects, and faith-building experiences. It’s a mix of fun, growth, and purpose-driven development.
Purpose Discovery: Our curriculum-based program allows girls to explore their spiritual gifts, personal values, and long-term goals. These workshops help them define their identity beyond the world's expectations.
Passion to Profit: Participants are led through an experience designed to help them learn what it takes to run a business and to encourage financial empowerment.
Each of these stories represents what happens when Positive Youth Development isn’t just a theory—it’s a lived-out reality.
Final Thoughts: Empowering the Next Generation Starts Now
At Unity Queens, we’re passionate about helping girls become who they were created to be. Through our faith-based lens and commitment to the Positive Youth Development framework, we walk with young women as they rise into confident, purpose-driven leaders.
Whether it’s through a year-round program or our immersive summer youth program, every Unity Queens experience is rooted in values that uplift, equip, and transform.
If you’re a parent, educator, church leader, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, we invite you to join us. Let’s raise up a generation of women who are strong in identity, bold in faith, and equipped to lead.
Ready to bring Positive Youth Development to your community?
Explore Unity Queens’ programs or reach out today to learn how we can support your youth through mentorship, leadership, and purpose. Fill out this form and one of our team members will reach out with more information!