Parks and recreation departments (PARDs) can help alleviate societal problems associated with at-risk youths. To better position PARD programs for reducing risky behavior, there must be scientific evidence showing their impact on youths' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The paper examines existing evaluation studies highlighting the positive…

Offers four themes in the scaffolding of a critical education that advance grassroots activism in learning communities of praxis (scale, ownership, connection, and enterprise). Presents an example of a youth development project that affirms democracy via shared decision making, group motivation, self-esteem, and agenda setting opportunities…

Since the 1900s, US leaders have worked to address the needs of American children and youth. Social services, educational resources and health organizations have targeted the needs of youth. In every decade of the 20th century, the White House has brought together prominent scholars, social workers and community leaders to address the contemporary…