In this study we assess improvement in civic engagement skills following youth leadership program participation, as well as the program quality components related to youth civic engagement skill development. Participants included 320 youth, ages 12–18, from 5 different youth programs nationwide that included a community advocacy component who completed self-report surveys at pre- and post- test. Using hierarchical multiple regression analyses, we assessed the role of program quality components of skill-building, leadership opportunities, positive adult relationships, as well as the additional component of equitable climate, in increased civic engagement skills. Results indicate that youth participating in positive youth development programs report a significant increase in civic engagement skills. Results further indicate that skill-building opportunities and equitable climate are associated with higher civic engagement scores among youth.

在这项研究中，我们评估了青年领导力计划参与后公民参与技能的提高，以及与青年公民参与技能发展相关的计划质量要素。参与者包括来自全国5个不同青年计划的320名12至18岁的青年，其中包括社区倡导部分，他们在测试前和测试后完成了自我报告调查。使用分层多元回归分析，我们评估了计划质量要素在提高公民参与技能中的作用，这些要素包括技能培养，领导机会，积极的成人关系以及公平的气候的其他要素。结果表明，参加积极青年发展计划的青年报告说公民参与技能显着提高。