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