The Science of Motivating Young People, with David Yeager

Psychologist David Yeager, author of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, shares groundbreaking research on how to connect with and inspire young people during the pivotal years between puberty and adulthood. Drawing on neuroscience, Yeager explains how the adolescent brain is wired to seek pride, respect, and admiration—and to avoid humiliation or shame—well into the mid-twenties. He introduces the “mentor mindset,” a practical approach that validates young people’s perspectives, asks instead of tells, communicates openly, and sets high standards without coddling. Backed by scientific experiments, these strategies have been shown to reduce stress, improve behavior, and foster independence, all while saving adults time and building trust. Whether you’re a parent, educator, coach, or leader, Yeager offers a proven framework for empowering young people to grow, contribute, and thrive.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

More about David Yeager

David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the cofounder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. He is best known for his research conducted with Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and Greg Walton on short but powerful interventions that influence adolescent behaviors such as motivation, engagement, healthy eating, bullying, stress, mental health, and more. He has consulted for Google, Microsoft, Disney, and the World Bank, as well as for the White House and the governments in California, Texas, and Norway. His research has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, CNN, Fox News, The Guardian, The Atlantic, and more. Clarivate Web of Science ranks Yeager as one of the top 0.1% most-influential psychologists in the world over the past decade. Prior to his career as a scientist, he was a middle school teacher and a basketball coach. He earned his PhD and MA at Stanford University and his BA and MEd at the University of Notre Dame. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and their four children.

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