Center for the Advancement of Youth Development

The Center for the Advancement of Youth Development (CAYD) is funded by multiple sources that include Federal, state, and local organizations and is housed in the Department of Social Work at the University of Memphis. CAYD conducts important research and provides services to youth and families in low-income areas. 

CAYD promotes the advancement of youth development by building the capacity of youth-serving organizations through collaborating to design, evaluate, and implement culturally responsive and effective interventions. Our aim is sustainable interventions to improve the life outcomes of youth and families.

Features of CAYD

• Accessible to grassroots community organizations
• System of care values
• Community based participatory research experience
• Community engaged
• Youth services focused
• National network of affiliate faculty
• Youth and community advisory boards
• Empowerment driven