Blog
The Impact of Civic Engagement on Identity Development
September 19, 2024In the first discussion at our 2024 Adolescent Brain Development Symposium, science journalist Lydia Denworth spoke with Eva Telzer, associate professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Cheyenne Brady, associate director of youth programs at the Center for Native American Youth, and Jenna Makes Good, a fellow within the Center for Native American Youth, about the importance of helping young people develop their identity through culturally informed civic engagement organizations and opportunities.
Student Solutions for Better Sleep: Shark Tank Innovations
August 15, 2024At the 2024 Summer Research Boot Camp, high school students came together to learn what makes the adolescent brain so unique. One topic investigated was why sleep is crucial to healthy brain development. Hear from the students as they explore solutions for better sleep.
Equipping Adolescents with Insights into Adolescent Brain Development
August 8, 2024Students who attended the 2024 UCLA Summer Research Boot Camp share what they learned about their brain development and how this information can foster spaces, policies, and relationships that better support the needs of youth.
Press Releases
February 25, 2025: Announcing the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent’s 2024 Annual Report
January 17, 2023: New Guides Help Organizations Build Effective Youth Engagement Programs
August 16, 2021: New Report Examines Intersection of Anti-Black Racism on Youth Development
November 30, 2020: Center for the Developing Adolescent Announces New Advisory Board Members
October 1, 2020: Center for the Developing Adolescent Announces New Leadership
Stay in the Know
Fostering Belonging Through Developmental Relationships
March 28, 2024National Scientific Council on Adolescence member Joanna Williams, Senior Director of Research at Search Institute, talked about what it means to belong, why it matters in education, and how adults can help students feel a sense of belonging at school.
How We Can Support Youth to Learn What They Need to Build Healthy Relationships
February 27, 2024Digital Content Contributor Allyson Nesmith summarizes suggestions from our third Love in Adolescence webinar, about how adults can help youth learn about healthy romantic relationships.
UCLA CDA 2023 Year-end Review
December 5, 2023As 2023 winds to a close, we are taking a moment to look back at the highlights of another busy year here at the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent.
Helping Youth Cultivate their Sense of Purpose
November 15, 2023What does it mean to have a purpose? And how can we help young people cultivate their sense of purpose during adolescence? These were questions tackled during our recent webinar, “Cultivating Purpose in Adolescence.”
Supporting Youth Mental Health with Dr. Rhonda Boyd
September 25, 2023UCLA CDA’s Allyson Nesmith talks with NSCA member Rhonda Boyd, PhD, about how adults can support youth mental health and wellbeing.
Students’ Perspectives on Adolescents and Cross-ethnic Friendships
September 15, 2023Rubi Alvarez, Madison Cheungsomboune, and Miguel Partida share what they learned about friendships and school diversity during the adolescent years at the 2023 UCLA CDA Adolescent Development Summer Boot Camp.
Friendships and Peer Relationships During Adolescence
September 15, 2023Students Megan Dinh, Zoe Ezeudu, Sage Gray, Taemin Han, Jianling Horton, and Madelene Natividad from our 2023 Summer Boot Camp write about friendships and how those relationships change during our adolescent years.