Youth development is viewed as multi-dimensional, embracing a process of human growth and development, a philosophical orientation to social development and community, and a programmatic framework for youth services. Youth development is discussed as a professional field, with attention paid to the progress of youth development along the path of professionalization and to promising advances in the professionalization of youth development work. Based on the examination of the transition of youth development from social movement to emerging profession, the authors suggest needed next steps that should give non-profit managers of youth and human service organizations additional perspectives on staff development. These next steps encompass establishing core competencies and skill standards, advancing in-service training programs, establishing pre-service education programs, increasing career awareness, and promoting professional identification. 24 references