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The Five Cs

Five areas that support
healthy development

Competence
Building skills and learning how to approach challenges effectively.
At Deeply Ingrained: Young people practice tool safety, measuring, problem-solving, and completing real projects.
Confidence
Developing belief in yourself and your ability to grow.
At Deeply Ingrained: Participants see visible progress, make meaningful choices, and learn that mistakes are part of building something well.
Connection
Forming supportive relationships with peers, adults, and community.
At Deeply Ingrained: Young people work alongside staff, mentors, volunteers, and one another in a space where they are known and supported.
Character
Practicing responsibility, integrity, respect, and accountability.
At Deeply Ingrained: Participants care for shared tools, follow through on commitments, work safely, and take responsibility for their choices.
Caring
Strengthening empathy, compassion, and concern for others.
At Deeply Ingrained: Young people help peers, respect different experiences, and use their growing skills to contribute to their community.
Learn More

The research
behind the approach

Explore Positive Youth Development

Learn more about the broader Positive Youth Development approach and the research behind the Five Cs model.

Positive Youth Development Overview

A plain-language introduction from Youth.gov explaining what Positive Youth Development is, where the approach came from, and how positive experiences, relationships, and environments support young people.

Explore Youth.gov →

The Five Cs Model

A peer-reviewed academic study examining the Five Cs—Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, and Caring—and how the model can be measured across adolescence.

Read the Five Cs Study →
In Practice

How the framework
comes to life

The Five Cs appear throughout Deeply Ingrained's programs. These examples show how hands-on work, mentoring, and meaningful responsibility support positive youth development.

Woodshop on Wheels

Hands-on skill-building

Young people work through real projects, practice safe tool use, solve problems, and see visible evidence of their growing competence.

Explore Woodshop on Wheels →
Guided by the Grain

Supportive mentoring

Staff and mentors create consistent opportunities for encouragement, honest conversation, reflection, and meaningful connection.

Explore Guided by the Grain →
Guided by the Grain: Foundations

Meaningful responsibility

Participants make decisions, care for shared spaces and tools, contribute to their group, and take pride in the work they complete.

Explore GBTG: Foundations →