The Search Institute of Minnesota has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development for youth, known as Developmental Assets. These assets help young children grow into healthy, caring, and responsible adults.

In addition to improving academic skills, GEARS strives to influence the character and social wellbeing of our students by increasing the amount of developmental assets they have. Every week GEARS students take a break from tutoring and participate in group activities focusing on developmental assets.

The 40 Developmental Assets signify everyday wisdom about positive experiences and characteristics. Research has found that these assets are influential on adolescent behavior. They protect young people from various risky behaviors while promoting positive attitudes and actions.