The way an “active citizen participates in the life of a community to improve conditions for others or to help shape the community’s future”. These “active citizens” can be youths as well as adults, especially when they partner with adults to have a greater impact.  (Adler and Goggin, 2005)

Character traits or actions people take for the general welfare of individuals and the community. These include volunteering, serving on juries, paying taxes, being honest, taking care of family members and neighbors, and more.

Development of intellectual abilities such as memory, problem solving, language, reasoning and decision making. It also refers to how people think, perceive and construct thought processes. 

The ideas that form the basis for the design of the U.S. political system. They include separation of powers, checks and balances, rule of law, representative democracy, popular sovereignty, majority rule, limited government, individual rights, and consent of the governed. Civic virtue might also be considered a democratic principle. 

The ability to experience, express, understand and regulate a wide range of emotions. Healthy emotional growth enables a person to self-soothe, cope with stress and anxiety, display empathy to others, and otherwise recognize and manage emotions.

Implementing a program or activity as planned; assessing fidelity of implementation is part of the continuous improvement process.

Putting leadership skills into practice in the real world.

Having awareness of personal preferences and styles to promote effective interactions with others. 

Understanding one's individual leadership styles and preferences.

Sets expectations for the afterschool program and its partners by outlining the responsibilities of both parties. A written agreement that establishes a formal working relationship between two partnering organizations; generally includes details such as the services to be provided, the responsible party, and the time period.

Development and coordination of gross motor skills (mastery of large muscle movement such as arms and legs) and fine motor skills (mastery of small muscles like hands and fingers). Growth in this area affects connections with other people, objects and the environment.

The ability to interact and develop relationships with others. It includes development of social and emotional skills and recognition that one is an individual, separate from others. Healthy social growth impacts other developmental domains, such as cognitive and emotional growth.

The ways youth grow and learn. There are four areas of youth development: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

Refers to helping youth build the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of capable leaders and engaged community members. There are three key components to include when developing student leadership skills: mastery of self, mastery of relationships and mastery of action.