RYASAP’s work is based on an action research model whereby every 3 years, 7 th through 12 th grade students are surveyed regarding their risky behaviors as well as their developmental assets. The instrument used is the Search Institute’s Profile of Youth Survey. Following the survey, RYASAP produces a report that acts as the research basis for developing plans for what needs to be done to increase young people’s developmental assets and reduce their risky behaviors. The philosophy behind both the survey and the plan is that the more developmental assets a young person has, the fewer risky behaviors they will exhibit. In addition, as developmental assets increase young people stand a better chance of living full and vibrant lives.

RYASAP also conducts process and content evaluations of each of its programs to determine their effectiveness,