Kalamazoo touted as great community for young people

Kalamazoo is back on the list of 100 Best Communities for Young People.

That annual award, which has been handed out for the past five years, recognized more than 350 communities across the nation this year. America’s Promise Alliance and ING Foundation sponsor the recognition that goes to communities that are most dedicated to helping local youth graduate from high school.

At a Sept. 21 ceremoney on the National Mall in Washington D.C. the names of the winning communities were announced. This is the second time Kalamazoo has been named to the list.

Kalamazoo’s recognition came for the way community members dedicate their time and talent to young people to help them take advantage of the Kalamazoo Promise, a program that covers tuition at public colleges and universities in Michigan for every graduate of the district.

In its recognition of Kalamazoo, the alliance says: “In Kalamazoo, there is a clear understanding that civic involvement by young people is a key ingredient in the resurgence of the community. As a result, new organizations have been created specifically to foster youth leadership, while others have incorporated youth into their existing leadership structures.”

They go on to say anonymous donors have invested $17 million to date to send more than 1,500 graduates, or 81 percent of those eligible, to college. Research-based initiatives for ensuring students have the skills necessary for college and career success include the implementation of the OWL preschool curriculum; extended-day kindergarten; and 90 minutes of reading and 30 minutes of writing instruction for all elementary students. Secondary school initiatives include implementation of the trimester schedule and more flexible middle- and high-school scheduling.

The availability of programs such as Jeter Leaders and Girls on the Run also were cited as important in serving youth in Kalamazoo.

America’s Promise Alliance is a cross-sector partnership of more than 400 corporations, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and advocacy groups that are passionate about improving lives and changing outcomes for children. General Colin Powell founded the organization in 1997 and served as chairman. Today it is chaired by Alma Powell.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Hilary Strahota, America’s Promise Alliance