Final answer:
Youth programs promoting independence and competence are most akin to positive youth development programs as they foster personal growth, skills, and community engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
You asked which youth programs today bear a striking resemblance to the goals of positive youth development programs. Positive youth development programs are built on encouraging youth to develop personal skills, form positive relationships, and engage with their communities. Therefore, of the given options, programs promoting independence and competence most similarly align with the goals of positive youth development programs. Such programs support the growth of autonomy, skill-building, and self-efficacy, which are critical in helping youth develop into well-rounded adults who can contribute positively to society.
For example, recreational sports for youth, such as the NFL's Play 60 program, fall under this category. They provide opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and engagement with the wider community, all desired outcomes of positive youth development. These programs often serve as preventive structures in marginalized communities by fostering communal bonds and providing alternatives to negative behaviors. Moreover, they emphasize personal growth through active participation and ownership of one's actions, which fosters independence.
Conversely, programs focused on strict discipline, emphasizing conformity, or discouraging community involvement do not align as closely with the principles of positive development, which favors autonomy, self-direction, and community engagement.