Project Cornerstone is a Santa Clara County initiative which motivates and supports all individuals and organizations to come together to nurture and develop competent, caring and responsible children and youth. It was founded by the Youth Alliance (YMCA, YWCA, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, Campfire USA, Estrella Family Services, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts). It has been funded by the following organizations: David & Lucile Packard Foundation, California Wellness Foundation, IBM The Health Trust, Knight Foundation, City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services, Santa Clara Country Public Healthy Department, Schwab Foundation, as well as others.
Through years of research, the Search Institute of Minneapolis identified 40 developmental assets – or essential building blocks – needed by young people to grow into healthy, caring and responsible adults. Today, communities across the United States are working together with new energy and inspiration to create a more positive future for their children and teenagers, using the “40 developmental assets” as their launching pad.
Why are the 40 developmental assets so important?
Research shows that the more assets a child has the more likely they are to exhibit positive attitudes and behaviors:
Recent studies in Santa Clara County show that the average youth has only 18.2 assets out of the 40 developmental assets possible. Students at Bret Harte Middle School, average a bit higher—21.9 assets. Our goal is to help all youth in acquiring an average of 30 or more developmental assets at any given time.
40 Developmental Assets
External Assets
Support
Empowerment
Boundaries & Expectations
Constructive Use of Time
Internal Assets
Commitment to Learning
Positive Values
Social Competencies
Positive Identity