Anchorage Named One of the Best Communities for Young People

This year, America's Promise Alliance named Anchorage as one of its 100 Best Communities for Young People. This is the fifth time Anchorage has won this recognition. America's Promise Alliance uses this competition to highlight cities all around the United States who show their belief in the youth of their community by reducing the high school drop-out rate and providing support and services to meet the needs of their young people.

Anchorage really does believe that the children are our future and can provide a perspective that the adults of our community should hear. That's why the city encourages young people to talk to their government leaders about concerns and issues that are important to them, either in writing or in person. Middle and high school students are invited to talk about education initiatives with the School Advisory Board. The Food Bank of Alaska and the Summer Food Service help disadvantaged youth nourish their bodies so they can be strong enough to nourish their minds. Service programs such as Anchorage's Promise and America's Global Youth are designed to get Anchorage youth out of the house and involved in the community.

In order to be considered for the 100 Best list, Anchorage went through an intense application process detailing what the city has done for their youth to provide a safe place for kids to thrive, caring adults to help, a strong education, a healthy atmosphere and a way for kids to be involved in their community (the Five Promises). Anchorage was evaluated on its strong, innovative methods of fulfilling the Five Promises that America's Promise Alliance teaches. As a winner of this most distinguished honor, the City of Anchorage will receive $2500 that can be put back into a local program to continue providing our youth with the tools needed to be productive members of society.

It's nice that America's Promise Alliance again recognized what we the people of Anchorage already know. Anchorage is one of the best communities for young people. We'll continue to make it so for years to come, as well.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist