Blog: Contribution
Navigating Uncertainty in the Future of Work for Young People
April 22, 2026The transition to adulthood has always involved uncertainty, as adolescents continue to form and refine their goals for who they want to become, how they want to contribute, and which pathways they’ll take to get there. New and advancing technologies are amplifying this uncertainty, shifting the economic landscape in rapid and unpredictable ways, and leaving young people unsure about how to prepare for their future. So, how do we help youth build the skills they need for meaningful careers and lives in this rapidly changing world?
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Love and Support from Caring Adults During Adolescence
February 27, 2026In this blog post, we explore the importance of loving and supportive relationships with adults during adolescence, and discuss the significance and characteristics of natural mentors and developmental relationships.
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How the Science of Contribution Can Inform Community Programs
August 5, 2025During adolescence, the ages of 10 to 25, immense physical and cognitive growth expands our ability to understand, support, and care for those around us. These years are a critical time in development when young people build the skills necessary to give back to their communities, and when brain and social development increase our capacity to contribute. Opportunities to contribute, to reflect on the meaning of our contributions, and to have our contributions recognized are all important for the future health and well-being of young people.
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
The Opportunities and Effects of Climate Action on Adolescents
April 28, 2025Adolescence is a period of significant brain and social development, when we are particularly sensitive to the world around us. This sensitivity can create challenges to young people’s mental health and well-being when they experience or are exposed to information and images about climate change. But these changes can also increase youth’s motivation to participate in climate action, which can mitigate these negative effects while providing an opportunity for them to fill key developmental needs.
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Early Adolescence as an Important Window of Opportunity for Positive Development
March 27, 2025Early adolescence is a critical window of opportunity to set up young people for a healthy and thriving adulthood. This month, we talked to a leading expert in early adolescent development, Dr. Ron Dahl, about what exactly early adolescence is and why it is so crucial to support young people as they go through this period of development.
The Impact of Civic Engagement on Purpose
October 24, 2024In the last discussion of our 2024 Adolescent Brain Development Symposium, Joanna Williams, Senior Director of Research at Search Institute, took the stage with Le’Yondo Dunn, CEO of YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School, and Haafizah Carter, an alumnus of the school, to talk about the impact of civic engagement on purpose.
The Impact of Civic Engagement on Exploration and Risk Taking
October 10, 2024In the third discussion of our 2024 symposium, science journalist Lydia Denworth talked with Natasha Duell, assistant professor of Psychology and Child Development at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, LaJuan Allen, director of Vote16USA, and Audrey Rothenberg, a senior at Culver City High School and volunteer at Vote16 Culver City about how civic engagement can support the need to explore and take positive risks during adolescence.
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.
Caregiving Students Need More Support
February 20, 2023In this blog post, developmental psychologist Emma Armstrong-Carter highlights a form of contributing that many adolescents provide for their families—caregiving—and offers research-informed suggestions for schools to support caregiving students.
Adolescents Matter
March 2, 2021At a panel discussion at UC Berkeley’s Institute for Human Development (IHD) on Monday, IHD Director Dr. Ron Dahl (host of our Adaptivity podcast), talked with our Co-Executive Director Andrew Fuligni and Cornell professor Anthony Burrow about the kinds of contributions that feed the hunger to matter during adolescence.
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