Using the scientific method, the Miami YDP is examining what actions, of what duration, with what youth, in what communities, at what points in biological development, and at what historical times will result in positive youth development that results in current and future constructive contributions to family, community, and the broader society. Expressed in another way, the goal of the Miami YDP is to determine what interventions for troubled youth (i.e., youth whose attitudes and behaviors harm themselves and others) can result in attitudinal and behavioral change that contributes to individual and community welfare in a multicultural society struggling to create social justice and democracy for all. In the Miami YDP, university-based researchers knowledgeable in the content and testing of human development theory and systems development work with community-based practitioners experienced in the development and delivery of intervention programs, and community residents struggling to find their way in Miami's multicultural environment, in order to find what works to produce positive youth development in their "real world." 48 references