Positive Youth Development

Prodigy is modeled after the Positive Youth Development model, which suggests that, given the right mix of social resources, most youth will flourish and develop into healthy adults (Butts, Mayer, & Ruth, 2005). Programs which are based on the positive youth development model share three basic characteristics:

• Promote positive attitudes and behavior, even when seeking to prevent problem behavior.


• Provide formal and informal opportunities for youth to nurture their interests and talents, learn new skills, and gain a sense of personal or group recognition.


• Create an atmosphere of safety and hope, encouraging relationships with pro social, caring adults.

Art, as an intervention strategy, is more aligned with the rehabilitative approach than with the punishment method of addressing youth delinquency.
Ultimately, the focus of the Prodigy model is not on the youth's problems, but on building their ability to make good choices.