Positive Youth Development

The 5 C’s of Positive Youth Development

The Five Cs Model of Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a framework for PYD that outlines five psychological, behavioral, and social characteristics that indicate youth are thriving and, when high levels of the Five Cs develop, ultimately result in a Sixth C related to contributing to self, community, and society. Based on almost three decades of developmental science, the Five Cs Model of PYD is one of the most commonly accepted theories of PYD today. The model focuses on the positive characteristics that enable adolescents to lead productive and healthy lives and contribute to the world in ways that benefit themselves, their families and communities, and civil society.