Building Resilient Teens: How Teenovation Applies

the Developmental Assets Framework

By Danalisa Gotz

School Psychologist, Board Advisor to Teenovation

At Teenovation Dubai, we believe that every young person has incredible potential and that unlocking it depends on more than academic success or talent. It depends on the environment surrounding them: the relationships, opportunities, values, and support systems that shape their development.

This belief is grounded in the Developmental Assets Framework, a research-based model developed by Search Institute (www.search-institute.org). As a school psychologist and board member of Teenovation Dubai, I see how transformative this approach can be, not just for students, but for families, schools, and communities. In this post, I’ll explain what the framework is and how Teenovation is bringing it to life in Dubai.

What Are Developmental Assets?

The Search Institute has identified 40 key building blocks—called Developmental Assets—that help young people grow into healthy, caring, responsible, and resilient adults. These assets are divided into two broad categories:

1. External Assets – The support systems around a teen:

• Support: Family love, positive communication, adult role models.
• Empowerment: Feeling valued, safe, and heard in the community.
• Boundaries and Expectations: Clear rules, high expectations, and positive role models.
• Constructive Use of Time: Involvement in creative, spiritual, and social activities.

2. Internal Assets – The strengths developed within a teen:

• Commitment to Learning: Motivation, school engagement, love of learning.
• Positive Values: Caring, integrity, responsibility.
• Social Competencies: Planning, decision-making, empathy, and conflict resolution.
• Positive Identity: Sense of purpose, personal power, and self-esteem.

Research shows that the more assets a young person has, the more likely they are to succeed and the less likely they are to engage in risky behaviors. But here’s the most important takeaway for parents: building assets doesn’t require perfection. It just takes intention, consistency, and community.

How Teenovation Dubai Puts Assets Into Action

Teenovation’s mission is to empower teens through innovation, leadership, and service. Behind each initiative and event that the organization engages in is a deliberate strategy to build developmental assets. Here’s how:

✔ Youth-Led Clubs & Leadership Opportunities

We empower teens to design and lead their own initiatives—whether it’s tackling environmental issues, launching mental health campaigns, or mentoring younger peers. This fosters Empowerment, Positive Identity, and Social Competence.

✔ Caring Adult Mentorship

Teens in Teenovation are surrounded by a network of mentors and educators who model healthy relationships, provide support, and encourage growth. This aligns with the Support and Boundaries & Expectations asset categories.

✔ Inclusive and Safe Spaces

Whether meeting in person or online, our programs prioritize belonging, emotional safety, and open dialogue. We emphasize Respect for Diversity, which enhances Empathy and Caring in teens.

✔ Purpose-Driven Projects

From innovation challenges to service-learning experiences, we engage teens in real-world problem-solving. This builds Commitment to Learning, Responsibility, and a deep sense of Purpose.

What Parents Can Do

You play a vital role in asset-building. Here are three quick ways to support your teen’s development today:

1. Be present. Small moments of connection such as sharing meals, car rides, and bedtime chats matter more than you think.
2. Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Resilience and identity grow when teens know they are valued for who they are, not just what they achieve.
3. Stay curious. Ask open-ended questions. Listen without jumping in to solve. Let your teen know their voice matters.

At Teenovation Dubai, we’re building a future where every teen feels supported, empowered, and capable. The Developmental Assets framework gives us the roadmap and with your help, we can bring it to life for every young person in our community.

Further Reading and Resources

📘 [“Parenting with a Purpose: How to Raise Well-Balanced Children” by Search Institute]
A practical guide to using the 40 Developmental Assets in everyday parenting. Offers simple strategies to build resilience, character, and motivation.

📘 “All Kids Are Our Kids: What Communities Must Do to Raise Caring and Responsible Children and Adolescents” by Peter L. Benson
Written by the founder of Search Institute, this book explains the science behind the Developmental Assets and how schools, families, and organizations can work together to support youth.