Hamden, Connecticut
Overview
One of many reasons America’s Promise Alliance is recognizing Hamden as a first-time 100 Best Communities for Young People competition winner is because of the community’s ability to bring together all sectors to support its young people. In Hamden, local businesses work with schools, town agencies and nonprofit organizations to promote early childhood success and encourage youth development. Through the Hamden Partnership for Young Children, local community members partner to discuss and implement programs that improve the services and resources available for community youth. To get youth to take an active role in local policy, the superintendent's Student Advisory Committee meets monthly with the Hamden Public Schools superintendent to advocate for education policy. As a result of these monthly meetings, the Student Advisory Committee was able to improve the quality and quantity of recycling receptacles at the high school after they raised the issue.
Community Programs
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Hamden's Partnership for Young Children (HPYC) is a partnership between nonprofit organizations and is comprised of local professionals, parents and grandparents who are concerned about the future of Hamden’s children. The mission of the Hamden Partnership for Young Children is for families and the communities to work collaboratively to plan, coordinate and improve services for all children.
- Through its Kinder-Prep initiative, HPYC provides families with rising kindergarteners, resources help with the achievement of kindergarten success.
- The superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee, is a local committee made up of seven students who attend monthly meetings with the superintendent of Hamden Public Schools (HPS) in order to have key involvement in helping shape local education policy.
- Through the Asthma Coalition, the program “Putting on Airs,” makes home visits and provides asthma supplies to families. Hamden High School’s school-based health center provides health services to students enrolled in the clinic, making it an essential factor in helping youth stay in school by providing much needed health services onsite.
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SAILS at Hamden Middle School and RAISES at Hamden High School identify students with the potential to perform well in more advanced coursework. These students then take part in additional support services that will help them succeed in higher level academics.
Youth Voices
It was every little boy’s dream to play on the Hamden High Hockey Team. I have traveled to a good number of towns throughout my 17 years on this earth, and there is certainly no place that backs its sports like Hamden.
—Robert
They push us to be all we can be plus more. Not to mention our mayor; Scott Jackson who is able to attend every festival or community gathering to show his support. It’s an amazing experience.
—Kiyonna