The Search Institute defines asset building as positive experiences and personal qualities that young people need to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. The first 20 Developmental Assets focus on positive experiences that young people receive from the people and institutions in their lives. Four categories of external assets are included in the framework:
     

• Support-Young people need to experience support, care, and love from their families, neighbors, and many others. They need organizations and institutions that provide positive, supportive environments.

• Empowerment-Young people need to be valued by their community and have opportunities to contribute to others. For this to occur, they must be safe and feel secure.

• Boundaries and expectations-Young people need to know what is expected of them and whether activities and behaviors are "in bounds" and "out of bounds."

• Constructive use of time-Young people need constructive, enriching opportunities for growth through creative activities, youth programs

The next 20 assets are internal assets. Internal assets guide positive choices and foster a sense of confidence, passion, and purpose. Young people need this wisdom to make responsible decisions about the present and future. The framework includes four categories of internal assets:

• Commitment to learning-Young people need to develop a lifelong commitment to education and learning.

• Positive values-Young people need to develop strong values that guide their choices.

• Social competencies-Young people need skills and competencies that equip them to make positive choices, to build relationships, and to succeed in life.

• Positive identity-Young people need a strong sense of their own power, purpose, worth and promise.

Financial Literacy and Money Management Program:

The financial education program offered equips youth with the general financial and economic knowledge needed to handle their finances independently as they reach adulthood. Topics include: balancing and writing checks, savings, accountability, and general banking basics. The financial education program also educates participants on more mainstream financial topics such as: budgeting, personal finance, credit cards, and investments. R.E.A.C.H. hopes that by educating youth early in life with such skills and knowledge it will help in the prevention of future financial troubles.