Overview

The STEP UP Youth survey examined youths’ bicultural development across five areas: communication, attitudes, knowledge, roles, and beliefs. Participants responded to each statement using a five-point scale ranging from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree.

A total of 29 pre-surveys and 25 post-surveys were available for this preliminary analysis. Overall, youth reported relatively strong bicultural attitudes and beliefs at both the beginning and end of the program. The clearest positive changes appeared in bicultural communication, along with several specific measures of cultural knowledge, identity, and comfort navigating two cultures.

What 22 Young People Told Us About Identity, Risk, Safety, and What Really Helps

About the interviews. This summary draws on 22 interviews with youth in Asian Media Access (AMA) and Sankofa. The interviews covered nine topics, including identity, substance use, mental health, physical activity, home life, violence and safety, sexual health, the program, and future plans. Because participants had different levels of program experience and not everyone answered every question, the numbers below should be read as patterns in this group, not as estimates for all youth.

What we heard

• Trusted relationships matter. Across topics, youth preferred someone who listens, checks in, and includes them in decisions. Trusted adults, mentors, family members, and slightly older peers all came up as useful support.
• School and the future create major pressure. School or academic pressure was named by 13 of 22 participants. College cost, family expectations, social pressure, and money also weighed on young people.
• Many risks are practical and relational, not just about knowledge. Youth described easy access to vapes and alcohol through peers and social media, safety that can change block by block, and clear gaps in sexual-health information and access.
• Being heard matters more than being lectured. Punishment, scare tactics, confiscation, bag checks, or adults taking over decisions were often described as less useful than conversation, guidance, and early support.

Program impact and next steps

Bottom line
The interviews show that young people already understand many of the risks around them. What they asked for most often was not another lecture, but reliable people, practical guidance, and places where they feel comfortable asking questions. AMA and Sankofa are already building confidence, skills, and belonging; the strongest next step is to deepen those relationships and involve youth more directly in shaping the program.