Positive youth development can be used to combat negative stereotypes surrounding youth of minority ethnic groups in the U.S. After-school programs have been directly geared to generate increased participation for African American and Latino youth with a focus on academic achievement and increasing high school graduation rates.[12] Studies have found programs targeting African American youth are more effective when they work to bolster a sense of their cultural identity.[13] PYD has even been used to help develop and strengthen the cultural identities of American Indian and Alaskan Native youth. PYD methods have been used to provide a supportive setting in which to engage youth in traditional activities. Various programs have been implemented related to sports, language, and arts and crafts.[14] Sports programs that use positive youth development principles are commonly referred to as "sports-based youth development" (SBYD) programs.