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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Heather Haen Anderson
Connecting With Kids
952-688-8081
info@connectingwithkidsedina.org
EMBARGOED – NOT FOR RELEASE UNTIL OCT. 12, 2011
Edina Named One of the Nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People
Competition Recognizes Communities Taking Action to Help Reduce Local Dropout Rates
Edina, Minn., Oct. 12, 2011 —Edina was recognized today as one of the nation’s “100 Best
Communities for Young People.”
Edina achieved national recognition as one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities
for Young People for the second year in a row for its initiatives to help young people, including
support of Edina A Better Chance (ABC) Foundation, Edina High School May Term and Tri-City
Health Partners. The competition recognizes communities across the country that focus on
reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their youth.
“We are proud of Edina for being named one of the America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best,” said
Heather Haen Anderson, Executive Director of Connecting With Kids. “This award recognizes the
hard work of many community members who have dedicated their time to making a difference
in the lives of our young people.”
Edina will receive a $2,500 grant, 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. The award will be presented to the City Council Oct. 18, Board of
Education Oct. 24 and Chamber of Commerce Oct. 26.
This year, more than 300 communities from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto
Rico were nominated for the 100 Best distinction. All communities entering the 100 Best
competition completed a rigorous application outlining details on how their existing programs
and initiatives help deliver the Five Promises—resources identified by the Alliance as being
critical to the development of healthy, successful children: caring adults; safe places; healthy
start; effective education; and opportunities to help others. Applicants were also 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.
The winners are a diverse group, ranging from small communities to large cities. A list of all 2011
winners can be found at www.americaspromise.org/100best. For more information, visit
www.connectingwithkidsedina.org.
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