YMCA Project Cornerstone's Community Impact
Youth and Communities Thriving Together
Founded in 1999 as a community movement of YMCA of Silicon Valley, Project Cornerstone’s mission is to equip young people with critical social and emotional skills and empower adults to nurture caring, supportive environments. Over the course of a 25-year partnership with Search Institute, Project Cornerstone has championed Developmental AssetⓇ building across the Bay Area and beyond.
How do we help young people discover how to become their best selves?
The Answer: Developmental Relationships
In fall 2024, through the generous sponsorship of the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Project Cornerstone and Search Institute partnered to conduct a survey in Santa Clara County schools to assess the current state of Developmental Relationships between students and educators. A total of 16,435 students in grades 4-12 and 878 educators across 92 schools in nine Santa Clara County districts participated in the survey.
After decades of being deeply immersed with Developmental Assets in our work with young people, we have begun to merge Assets and Developmental Relationships, which makes total sense. We’ve prioritized Assets with regard to the supports and strengths that young people need to succeed and thrive, and we see Developmental Relationships as a way to further activate and grow Assets across the communities we serve.
Ziem Nguyen Neubert, M.Ed.
Executive Director of Project Cornerstone
Project Cornerstone brought together county officials, district and school leaders, and educators to share the survey insights and together, with guidance provided by Search Institute, they created a common language and shared understanding, supporting shared reflection and exploration of the data, and identifying opportunities to drive action across Santa Clara County’s school districts.
“We hope this initiative of how young people and adults perceive their relational experiences at their schools gives our community some insights, sparks meaningful conversations, and initiates collaborative and intentional actions. We have a lot to celebrate and still have room for improvement.” says Neubert. “Collectively, we can strengthen Developmental Relationships in and out of school and all of us have an integral part in helping all youth, regardless of our title or role. Most importantly, let's ensure that young people and their voices are included at the table in this collaborative work.”
Staff and volunteers collaborate closely with schools and community partners to boost Assets, build and strengthen Developmental Relationships with young people, and deliver transformative programming that advances youth mental health, well-being, and leadership. Project Cornerstone’s signature programs include monthly, asset-based lesson plans for preschool through middle school classrooms; anti-bullying workshops; a high school leadership council that elevates youth voice; asset- and relationship-building professional development for educators and youth-focused staff; and educational opportunities for parents and adults who care for youth.
Using Search Institute’s research-based Developmental Assets and Developmental Relationships frameworks as their foundation, Project Cornerstone's programs serve more than 185 schools and reach approximately 65,000 elementary and middle school students annually, with support from nearly 4,000 dedicated volunteers—a collective impact that is strengthening the foundation for youth thriving.
Photos are courtesy of Project Cornerstone.
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