Youth Participation in the Dream School Program in Norway: An Application of a Logic Model of the Six Cs of Positive Youth Development

Abstract

School is a crucial setting for stimulating Positive Youth Development (PYD). The Dream School program in Norwegian upper secondary schools aims to improve the psychosocial learning environment and promote mental health through greater student involvement, and foster an inclusive culture as a whole. By applying a logic model of PYD to the Dream School program, this chapter describes the theory behind the six Cs of PYD, and the impact and challenges of involving youth as peer mentors in the program. The peer mentors experienced positive feelings of helping other students, and developed social and leadership skills in the classroom and in the school premises. Evaluation of the mentoring role indicated that to move beyond merely token participation and involvement, it is crucial for all adults to listen to student voices and see them as a resource that can contribute to a positive learning climate in the schools.