The Five Cs Model of Positive Youth Development

Positive view of one’s actions in specific areas, including social, academic, cognitive, health, and vocational. Social competence refers to interpersonal skills (e.g., conflict resolution). Cognitive competence refers to cognitive abilities (e.g., decision making). Academic competence refers to school performance as shown, in part, by school grades, attendance, and test scores. Health competence involves using nutrition, exercise, and rest to keep oneself fit. Vocational competence involves work habits and explorations of career choices. Effective entrepreneurial skills may be one instance of vocational competence.

An internal sense of overall positive self-worth and self-efficacy.

Positive bonds with people and institutions that are reflected in exchanges between the individual and his or her peers, family, school, and community and in which both parties contribute to the relationship.

Respect for societal and cultural norms, possession of standards for correct behaviors, a sense of right and wrong (morality), and integrity.

A sense of sympathy and empathy for others.

Contributions to self, family, community, and to the institutions of a civil society.