The Search Institute's model of 40 Developmental Assets shows that "that the greater the numbers of Developmental Assets are experienced by young people, the more positive and successful their development. The fewer the number of assets present, the greater the possibility youth will engage in risky behaviors such as drug use, unsafe sex, and violence."

Participation in programming like Spirit Quest or Youthspring offers many of the 40 Developmental Assets, such as:

• Nurturing adult role models
• Creative activity
• Constructive use of time
• Reading for pleasure
• Responsibility
• Interpersonal competence
• Cultural competence
• Personal power
• Self-esteem
• Sense of purpose
• Positive view of personal future

Another important concept in program development is the idea of class-mobility. By exposing children to the best practices from all cultures and classes, they are more apt to find their way in the world, as it continues to shift to a global paradigm. An added benefit of this strategy is the development of tolerance, which leads to non-violence.