Troup and Houston Counties Make the 2011 list of 100 Best Communities for Young People
Print This PostWhen America’s Promise Alliance released the 2011 list of 100 Best Communities for Young People this week, Troup and Houston counties were among the winners. The competition recognizes cities across the country that focus on reducing high-school dropout rates and providing service and support to youth.
Troup County, a two-time 100 Best winner, continues to make young people a priority by developing initiatives that cultivate high-school completion, support youth activism, and offer a range of educational programs.
“Troup County is truly blessed to have so many community leaders, youth-serving organizations, and engaged parents continuing to work together for the betterment of our young people,” said Jack Eatman, executive director of Troup Family Connection Authority. “We are also fortunate to have so many of our youth setting positive examples on a daily basis for their peers and the rest of the community.”
Houston County, a first-time winner, empowers its youth through leadership programs, collaborative efforts to address youth challenges in the community, and volunteer opportunities to serve others.
“We’re proud of Houston County for being named one of the America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best,” said Dr. Kimberly Welch, executive director of Kids’ Journey, the Georgia Family Connection collaborative organization in Houston County. “This award recognizes the hard work of many community members that have dedicated their time to making a difference in the lives of our young people.”
Beyond demonstrating a community’s commitment to local young people The 100 Best award fosters local pride, bolsters economic development, and shines the spotlight on the people and programs that are building better communities. The competition also facilitates the sharing of best practices among communities nationwide regarding education, access to health care, reading score improvement, youth service, pre-school enrollment, and other areas.
This year, more than 300 communities from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were nominated for the 100 Best distinction. The winners will receive a $2,500 grant and access to the Alliance’s community development resources.
First held in 2005, the 100 Best Communities for Young People competition, presented by ING, is one of the Alliance’s signature initiatives and is part of its Grad Nation campaign, a 10-year initiative to mobilize Americans to end the high-school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce. The 100 Best honors communities large and small, rural and urban, that are making progress to help young people achieve their potential, which includes earning a high school diploma, securing a good job, and playing an active, productive role in America’s economic vitality.
Check out the 2011 100 Best Communities for Young People competition winners.
A high school senior shares his story of how his community in Cumming, Georgia saved him from dropping out of high school
Read the macon.com story, “Houston named among top communities for young people.”
Read the LaGrange Daily News story, “Troup again gets ‘100 best’ designation.”
Is your community one of the nation’s best?
Contact:
Pearlette Cid
GaFCP Communications Associate
404-527-7394 (x137)
pearlette@gafcp.org
William Valladares
GaFCP Communications Manager
404-527-7394 (x114)
william@gafcp.org