History

The Sequor Youth Development Initiative (YDI) resulted from funding provided by Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in the Spring of 2009. Since that time Sequor YDI has positioned itself as a widely recognized center for youth development resource development and delivery. An additional generous contribution from the Sequor Foundation in 2010 has furthered enhanced YDI's ability to accomplish its mission.

Mission

Meet needs of public and not-for-profit agency managers, staff, and researchers for science based information to improve youth program staff competencies, program design and evaluation.

Serve as a resource for further developing, improving, and evaluating the impact of current youth development programs and services.

3 Major Components

Applied Research & Evaluation

Sequor YDI staff and affiliated faculty conduct collaborative, interdisciplinary youth development research projects. The goal is to add to the body of knowledge available to youth service practitioners. YDI research receives support from multiple external grants.

Youth Development Information Dissemination

The Sequor YDI website (www.ydi.tamu.edu) provides ready access to available youth development best practice and research information. YDI also develops materials that translate existing information into user-friendly and quick reference formats.

Training & Education Materials

Sequor YDI produces a series of trainings and train-the-trainer programs for youth development agencies and workers throughout Texas using online and site-based delivery systems. Training is also available for community leaders and policy makers.