Our Research on Positive Youth Development through Sports

Social Emotional Learning Intervention Strategies

Underserved youth tend to benefit most from positive youth development programs. However, little is understood about what conditions make these programs most impactful. Findings suggest that programs should have clear, structured curricula and expectations. Our findings also highlight the importance of praise. Similarly, programs should honor a reward system to reinforce social emotional learning skills.

Youth Leadership Academy Studies

Research with the Youth Leadership Academy is exploring how youth navigate experiences in their community, families, peers, and school systems. Using pre-, mid-, and post-surveys along with secondary data, interviews, and focus groups, these findings will help us better understand the positive and negative influences affecting urban youth and how to address these influences to promote healthy adolescent and young adult development.

School-Based Pilot of LiFEsports

In the summer of 2022, our research team conducted a randomized study in partnership with a local school district to examine the influence of LiFEsports on youths' sport and social skill development. Our findings demonstrated the program's positive influence on youths' social skill development, especially for boys and youth seeing behavioral health providers. Results also showed youth attending LiFEsports experienced positive gains in their gross motor skill development by participating in our four-week intervention. Results are promising and demonstrate the utility of our program for implementation in school settings.

Read the article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103000

Read the Research Brief: Research Findings: The 5th Quarter Effect