Youth Advantage believes that if a child is given the opportunity to find and pursue his or her passion, and is in an environment conducive to succeeding in that passion, the child will likely choose to stay on the path to success.

According to the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets for Children, children need 4-6 hours per week of creative activities, structured community programs, and sports, club or organizations at school and/or in community organizations as building blocks of healthy development.

Youth Advantage will not only provide access to these activities, it will promote the significant benefits that are associated with children’s involvement in extracurricular programs. These benefits include promoting the importance of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight as well as reducing the likelihood of children becoming involved in drugs, crime and other illicit behavior. Research indicates the economic, social and personal value of “investing” in the lives of children in a positive and constructive manner avoids the social and penal system costs that may later result. Youth Advantage’s message includes the value of cooperation, diligence, creativity, practice, teamwork, sportsmanship and physical fitness. These important benefits continue to validate the Youth Advantage concept.

• Youth Advantage will provide each participant with the equipment necessary for the program.
• Youth Advantage intends to promote the donation of gently-used equipment, pursue the donation of new equipment from equipment vendors, and purchase equipment when necessary.

In order to qualify for Youth Advantage, parents or guardians will be required to prove financial need as well as have their participating children meet attendance requirements as defined in the policies of this organization.