Stories of Our Impact

By building on the strengths of youth, organizations and communities, together we co-create and adapt strategies that reimagine the relational ecosystems and create environments where all youth can thrive. We work with leaders, practitioners, educators, and the youth-serving community to create accessible, strengths-based approaches that enable adults to take meaningful action to support youth thriving. Each of these stories reflect a deep belief in what’s possible when research, relationships, and community wisdom come together to build ecosystems where all young people can thrive.

Collaborating with Partners to Support Youth Thriving

Meeting Schools Where They Are

A multi-year research project builds stronger teacher-student relationships at three Midwest middle schools by guiding implementation of the Developmental Relationships Framework.

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Relationships as a Foundation for Change

Using research-based strategies and continuous improvement tools, Student Support Network (SSN) embedded developmental relationships in New York City's transfer high school culture. Learn about the powerful impact of prioritizing relationships in education.

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Fostering Belonging through Developmental Relationships

Through data-driven insights and a student-centered approach, Minnetonka Public Schools is narrowing gaps and fostering a more connected and supportive environment for all.

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Co-Creating a Path to Success

Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities partnered with Search Institute to strengthen mentoring relationships and clarify its program’s theory of action, aiming to create a unified strategy that aligns activities, measurement, and outcomes for youth, volunteers, and funders.

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A Capacity Building Experience Created with Partners for Partners

Search Institute worked closely with State of Missouri and Missouri Institute of Mental Health to create a long-term professional development opportunity that is not only shaped by research, but also the experiences facing young people and those who work together to ensure they thrive.

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Youth and Communities Thriving Together

Project Cornerstone applies Search Institute’s research-based frameworks to strengthen youth thriving, serving over 185 schools and 65,000 students annually with the support of nearly 4,000 volunteers.

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Taking a Strength-Based Approach

Discover how the youth-led Good Trouble movement is flipping the “troubled youth” narrative by centering young people’s voices, strengths, and leadership to redesign more just and engaging school experiences.

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Assets in Action

United Way of Delaware is using Search Institute’s Developmental Assets Framework to equip young people with the relationships, supports, and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

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Building a System Designed for Youth Thriving

At DREAM, mentoring is about more than a match. It’s about creating the conditions for young people to build the relationships, confidence, and connections that shape a thriving future.

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Impact Report

See the power of meaningful relationships in action. Discover key insights and real stories fueling youth success in Search Institute’s latest Impact Report.

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