Purpose: To describe a positive youth development program that was successfully designed and implemented in partnership with a Vietnamese American community and to provide insight into the types of outcomes that can result from such programs in similar communities.
Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with Vietnamese community leaders (n = 8) and youth (n = 10) who were involved in a positive youth development program in Oklahoma City. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by two independent analysts. Data matrices were used to help identify major themes.
Results: Participants felt they had strengthened numerous assets as a result of involvement in the youth development program, including communication with parents or another adult, leadership skills, constructive use of free time, and positive peer influences. Some of the participants also reported establishment of a relationship with a nonparent adult, inclusion of community service in their aspirations for the future, and avoidance of high-risk behaviors owing to their involvement in the program. Both adults and youth felt that the Vietnamese community had changed its perception of youth as a result of increased involvement of young people in community service and cultural activities.
Conclusion: Positive youth development is a promising prevention strategy that can be adapted to Vietnamese communities in the United States.