HomeMy WebLinkAboutAmericas Promise-2012
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Heather Haen Anderson
Connecting With Kids
952-688-8081
info@connectingwithkidsedina.org
EMBARGOED UNTIL: 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2012
For third year in a row, Edina named one of the 100 Best Communities for
Young People
Annual competition recognizes communities that prioritize youth education and well-
being
September 12, 2012
EDINA, Minn. – Edina community leaders learned today that for the third year in row it has been
named one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by
ING. The national award is given to communities across the country that focus on reducing high
school dropout rates and providing services and support to their youth, making the community an
outstanding place for youth to live, learn and grow.
“Receiving this recognition is an honor, but receiving it for three consecutive years is recognition that
Edina is not only dedicated to quality, but willing to invest in it as well,” noted Scott Neal, Edina City
Manager.
Edina was recognized for its extensive network of community partnerships, including the Edina Public
Schools, City of Edina, Edina Chamber of Commerce, The Edina Community Foundation, Connecting
with Kids program, and other local organizations.
America’s Promise also noted Edina’s commitment in providing area youth with a variety of programs
focused on community service and leadership that help them grow up to be well-rounded and civic-
minded.
For example, the Edina Community Foundation offers community service programs and safety
awareness sessions, and supports Edina’s city parks. The community’s Connecting with Kids program
brings together city, public school officials, and religious leaders with families to provide resources
and programs that support their young people.
"We are very excited to be recognized again,” said Heather Haen Anderson, Connecting With Kids
Executive Director. “Being named one of America's Best 100 Communities for Young People is further
evidence of how all the generations in Edina collaborate in support of our children as they grow to be
healthy, caring and responsible adults."
Edina also offers programs that teach its youth leadership skills. One such program is the Youth
Serving Youth program at Edina High School, which encourages students to put their ideas into action
through program involvement. Students can also earn a “letter” (an award earned for excellence in
student activities) in community service by performing at least 120 hours of service, which more than
100 students have earned annually.
According to Ric Dressen, Edina Public Schools Superintendent, such opportunities for student
leadership are part of the reason Edina High School has a 99 percent graduation rate.
“We know that when students are given the opportunity to be involved in their community doing
meaningful work, they are better engaged in their school and are more likely to graduate with their
peers,” Dressen said. “Edina Public Schools is fortunate to have such a supportive community, both
inside and outside the school, that is committed to investing in its young people and allowing them to
thrive and succeed.”
With the recognition, Edina will receive a $2,500 grant to continue its outreach to local youth, signage
identifying the community as one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People, and access
to America’s Promise Alliance’s community development resources.
“We can all be proud of this award—the young people who work hard to succeed in school, their
parents and teachers who provide a supportive environment for their learning, and the seniors who
contribute generously of their time and resources to civic programs,” said Dick Crockett, Executive
Director of The Edina Community Foundation. “Edina is truly a community for all generations, and we
greatly appreciate this recognition of the many groups and individuals who help us fulfill our
responsibility to raise healthy children and develop a strong community.”
* A list of all 2012 winners can be found at AmericasPromise.org/100Best
About America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership dedicated to improving the lives of children and
youth. We bring together more than 400 national organizations representing nonprofit groups, businesses,
communities, educators and policymakers. Through our Grad Nation campaign, we mobilize Americans to end
the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce. Building on
the legacy of our Founding Chairman General Colin Powell, America’s Promise believes the success of young
people is grounded in the Five Promises—Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, Effective Education, and
Opportunities to Help Others. For more information, visit AmericasPromise.org.
About 100 Best Communities competition
Communities entering the 100 Best competition are required to complete a rigorous application where they
provided details on how their existing programs and initiatives help deliver on the “Five Promises” – resources
identified by America’s Promise as being critical to the development of healthy, successful children: caring
adults; safe places; a healthy start; effective education; and opportunities to help others. Applicants also were
asked to describe how different sectors of their community work together to help children and families overcome
challenges. Most importantly, communities were judged on the strength and innovation of their efforts and
programs to help young people graduate from high school prepared for college and the 21st century workforce.
In its sixth year, the competition received applications from more than 320 communities representing all 50
states, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Winners were chosen by a distinguished
panel of judges that included nationally recognized educators, as well as civic and business leaders.
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