Youth-adult partnership is a conscious relationship that establishes and sustains intergenerational equity between young people and adults. Youth-adult partnerships often display a high degree of youth rights and autonomy, and is often synonymous with meaningful youth participation. Typically seen with adults acting in a mentor capacity, providing scaffolding to the youth. Unlike traditional mentoring, youth-adult partnerships are categorized by multiple adults and multiple youth^[1] and there must also be a mutuality where adults and youth teach and learn from one another, working together in their community.^[2]

Factors for Success

The success of these partnerships rely on a variety of factors. In addition to concrete outcomes, youth/adult partnerships require specific cultural and structural supports within organizations and communities in order to succeed.^[3]

There needs to be mutual respect and cohesiveness within members of the partnership. ^[4]

Common Settings

These relationships usually occur within youth organizations, where they are typified by youth voice. Youth voice is commonly recognized as an essential element of effective youth-adult partnerships.

Schools

In democratic schools, they are typified by student voice. One of the expectations from these youth-adult partnerships is that the student-led groups can represent the student body to the administration and school boards. ^[2] This can be done in a variety of different ways, such as planning activities, cocreating curriculum, and assessing progress and current effectiveness of programs within the school. ^[2]

Communities

Youth-adult partnerships can empower youth and adults as they educate their peers and advocate for the promotion of health and active engagement in the community.^[4]

Outcomes

Youth-adult partnerships allow young people to:

• Express their views and raise awareness for social issues publicly ^[2]
• Gain respect for adult allies^[2]
• Find ways to express their creativity
• Work for a good cause
• Think more critically
• Be a valued asset to the project and the community^[5]
• Raise issues that adults may be avoiding, or unaware of.^[2]

The relationships formed by youth-adult partnerships combat ephebiphobia and adultism by elevating the role of youth voice. ^[6]

A broad number of parties benefit from said partnerships, including the organizations where the partnerships occur, and the adults and youth who are involved.^[1] Actual benefits range from increased commitment, to higher feelings of self-efficacy,^[7] as well as increased organizational effectiveness and civic engagement.^[8] Youth-adult partnerships have been found to be particularly effective in addressing school improvement,^[9][2] promoting Global Health Initiatives,^[10] and integrating technology in the classroom.^[11]

According to the State of Texas, youth-adult partnerships have allowed young people to assume the roles of advisors and consultants to youth organizations, political lobbyists, community organizers, grant (money) decision-makers, nonprofit board directors, and as direct youth service providers.^[12] Additional practice has identified significant roles for youth-adult partnerships in rural civic engagement projects^[13] and in creating effective outreach for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth.^[14]