Developing Social Capital Through Participation in Organized Youth Programs: Qualitative Insights from Three Programs

An exploration of how youth may become connected to adult leaders in their community through a social capital lens was conducted. Furthermore the study examined the process that youth engaged in when forming relationships with adult leaders. Qualitative interviews were conducted with adolescents in three youth programs. Findings suggest that relationships between youth and resource-bearing adults do happen over time and provide youth with support for both short and long-term goals.