Self-determination is having the attitude and ability to choose and set goals, make life decisions, and work to reach one’s aims. Youth-serving providers can use self-determination principles in their programs to protect youth against risk behaviors, promote mental health, and help youth gain skills and values needed to become healthy adults. This tip sheet will help Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (APP) grantees meet the needs of the youth in their programs. It introduces the role of self-determination in fostering healthy behaviors and promoting mental health. It considers the role of supportive environments in growing youth’s confidence to choose, set, and reach their own goals. It also outlines various strategies grantees can use to encourage self-determination in positive youth development programming.