Enhancing the Good in “Doing Good”: Research and Interventions to Support a Leadership Development After-School Program

Project 440 aims to help young musicians develop their skillset by cultivating strengths of character that will contribute to overall resilience. Strategic cultivation of resilience leads to development of patterns of positive change during or following challenging circumstances, both significant and small. These individual characteristics include self-efficacy, optimism, hope, grit, and character strengths. Each of these characteristics can be measured and is supported by a strong body of scientific literature demonstrating positive outcomes, including among students. Weaving these concepts into an already effective curriculum through research-based annotations, measurements, and interventions is intended to fortify resiliency in young musicians and will enhance an already robust educational program using positive psychology practices and principles.