6: Positive Youth Development From an Equity Perspective: Challenges Facing the Field and the Equity Journey of an Applied Research Organization

Positive Youth Development (PYD) has successfully shifted the youth development field from deficit to strength-based. However, PYD has faced recent criticism for primarily centering White youth in resource-rich environments and an inadequate focus on social justice, culture, and unique experiences of youth of color. To address these limitations and respond to emerging concerns, a significant movement among researchers has emerged, aiming to focus on nuances in the development of youth of color and embracing alternative models that prioritize cultural and ethnic differences. Researchers at Search Institute, an applied research organization, have responded to these criticisms of the field by committing to centering marginalized voices, dismantling systemic barriers, and advocating for social justice. In this chapter, we share the journey of Search Institute in our historic attempts to advance equity within the PYD field and share our responses to these issues facing the field. Finally, we discuss how we center equity in our applied research projects and resource development.