These are the reasons why these communities were singled out as one of the 100 best communities for young people. From USA Today, “These cities have been named among ‘The 100 Best Communities for Young People’ by America’s Promise Alliance, a children’s advocacy group founded a decade ago. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell was its first chairman. More than 750 communities from all 50 states competed for the 2007 honors announced today. ” A high percentage of the reasons given in this USA Today article “100 Best Communitiesâ€? were school-related.
Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska — after-school enrichment programs
Sylacauga, Alabama — after-school and summer school opportunities
Coalition for Chandler Youth, Arizona — computer-based learning program for dropout students
Little Rock, Arkansas — community and business volunteers in neighborhood schools
Georgetown Divide, California — community outreach events to prepare children for adult life
Milford, CT — high school “life skills” programs
Norwich, CT — all students are required to participate in service learning projects
City of Greenacres, Florida — aftercare programs for children K-8
St. Petersburg, Florida — mentor partnerships between schools and businesses
Columbus/ Muscogee County, Georgia — partnerships between schools and businesses to create youth-focused initiatives
Bonneville County, Idaho — internships and dual-enrollment classes for high-school students
City of Boise, Idaho — engaging youth in learning marketable skills
Chicago, Illinois — hybrid of academic curriculum and technical skills; internships for high school students
Dubuque, Iowa — the local newspaper publishes students’ writing and artwork each week Read the rest of this entry »
