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Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started

Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow.

Resources Tailored to Your Role

Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members

Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization.

Resources on Key Topics

Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development.

Resources in Your Favorite Format

Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people.

Research
- Current Projects
- Publications
Solutions
- Professional Learning
- Measurements
Insights
Funders & Partners
- Stories of Our Impact
About
Resources Hub
- Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started
  
  Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow.
- Resources Tailored to Your Role
  
  Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members
- Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place
  
  Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization.
- Resources on Key Topics
  
  Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development.
- Resources in Your Favorite Format
  
  Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people.
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Research Brief: Developmental Relationships in Schools

Across our research, one message is clear. Developmental relationships are essential for cultivating thriving in school communities.

Students thrive when their inherent value is known, nurtured, and activated. This research brief presents findings from Search Institute’s collaborative work with middle and high school partners across three research projects, examining how developmental relationships—strong, supportive connections that help students discover who they are, build the skills to shape their own lives, and learn to contribute positively to the world—shape student engagement and success.

Report / Brief