Alexandria Named One of the Nation's "100 Best Communities for Young People"

 FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:

For the fourth time, the City of Alexandria was named one of the nation’s “100 Best Communities for Young People,” by the America’s Promise Alliance. The competition recognizes the 100 outstanding communities across America—large and small, rural and urban—that are the best places for young people to live and grow. More than 300 communities nationwide applied for the honor this year. A description of Alexandria’s winning qualities can be found here, and a list of all 2011 winners can be found at www.americaspromise.org/100best.

The City’s support for its children and youth encompasses a comprehensive array of programs and services in areas such as teen pregnancy prevention, juvenile delinquency, education, post-secondary education, mentoring and youth development.

The America’s Promise Alliance, founded by General Colin Powell, provides a catalyst for community-based efforts to demonstrate how children receive the Five Promises—caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education and opportunities to help others.

Being a “100 Best” community not only demonstrates commitment to local young people; the 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