Sparks

Introduction

We begin the youth’s Step-It-Up-2-Thrive experience with a discussion about Sparks—those hidden strengths that are discoverable in all youth.

The Sparks exploration takes place first because research by Dr. Peter Benson, former leader at the Search Institute, tells us that inner passions, interests and talents catalyze the drive for personal growth along the road to thriving. As youth reflect about indicators of thriving and select goals, this catalytic force should stay central.