title: Positive youth development: minority male participation in a sport-based afterschool program in an urban environment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  As there is little research that investigates the experiences of minority boys participating in youth development programs (Fashola, 2003), the current research focused on a sport-based youth development program for early adolescent Black and Latino boys in Hartford, CT. Specifically, the present study explored (a) what attracted minority boys to participate in youth development programs, (b) what kept them involved, and (c) whether their involvement translated into positive developmental outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used semistructured individual interviews to collect data from 8 participants and their parents. The research team deductively coded interviews in accordance with the a-priori framework of the Five Cs and Sixth C of youth development (i.e., competence, character, caring, confidence, connection, and contribution; Roth & Brooks-Gunn, 2003). In addition, interviews were deductively coded to investigate why participants became involved in the program and why they continued participation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings from the study indicated that participants became involved with the Sport Hartford Boys (SHB) program mainly due to its emphasis on sport-related activities. Moreover, findings related to the youths' continued involvement revealed their value for the SHB program as a safe place that kept them out of trouble and provided experiences that led to positive personal development. Furthermore, results indicated that participation in the program facilitated the development of each "C" of youth development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By promoting positive relationships and providing opportunities for self-exploration in a safe and trusting environment, afterschool programs can cultivate positive youth development in minority boys, at least in the short-term.
authors.affiliation: Business Department, Alfred State College, Alfred NY 14802, USA. FullerRC@alfredstate.edu
authors.forename: Rhema D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Fuller
authors.affiliation: Central Connecticut State University, USA.
authors.forename: Vernon E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Percy
authors.affiliation: University of Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Bruening
authors.affiliation: University of Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Raymond J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Cotrufo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D017195:Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D044383:Black People; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D003237:Connecticut; D006293:Health Promotion; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008913:Minority Groups; D012574:Schools; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013177:Sports; D014505:Urban Population; D001741:Black or African American