ABSTRACT
Adolescence represents a critical juncture in the lives of young people. The experiences youth have during the secondary years can play a prominent role in shaping the skills and attitudes they acquire, the goals they pursue, and the success they attain in and after high school. Through a broad array of high school, community-based, and home activities, youth develop essential competencies, discover and deepen their interests, focus their aspirations, establish critical relationships, and acquire new supports that will prepare them for adulthood. These experiences can help youth envision and transition toward an array of exciting outcomes, including attending college, beginning an interesting career, getting a place of one’s own, and participating in the life of one’s community.
