Highlighting America’s 100 Best Communities for Young People
The 100 Best Communities for Young People competition honors outstanding efforts on behalf of young people by multiple sectors of communities. In cities, suburbs, small towns and counties across the country, this annual competition is leading communities to assess their efforts, work more effectively together for young people, and share best practices. Each week one of the 2007 100 Best Communities will be highlighted in the America’s Promise Bulletin and on our web site.
Sylacauga, Alabama
By Christopher Epps
Sitting on a solid deposit of the hardest, whitest marble in the world, running 32 miles long, one and a half miles wide, and 400 feet deep under the earth's surface, few people know that the United States Supreme Court building was made with the lovely white marble that came from this little Alabama town. Hailing from the “Marble City,” people in this rural community recognize that if their children are to thrive and prosper, it is up to them to ensure it happens.
Incorporated twice, first in 1838 as Syllacoga, then again in 1887 with its present name, Sylacauga is also a two-time winner of the 100 Best Communities for Young People competition—and rightfully so.
Partnerships, not marble, are the foundation upon which the city of Sylacauga has built its infrastructure to support the healthy growth and development of its youth and their families. Practically every sector of the community has been involved in using strategic data analysis to define the gaps in services and opportunities, developing successful strategies and activities to address those gaps.
To help high school juniors and seniors to understand the importance of giving back to their community, a service learning course called AGGIE VOLS was created. Participants earn Carnegie Unit Credit for successful completion and the opportunity to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award for completion of over 100 hours of community service. Dedicated youth regularly earn community service hours by volunteering at the library, animal shelter, Sylacauga Promise Day and nursing homes, among others.
An Effective Education is not only provided by outstanding teachers but is the result of needs met through financial support. Charged with the mission of improving the quality of education for children, each year, Sylacauga City Schools Foundation raises and awards thousands of dollars to the city’s schools—focusing on areas such as expanded instruction in music and art, increased academic competition and additional interaction with professionals including scientists and authors.
In addition to other programs implemented to encourage educational excellence and favorable service behaviors among Sylacauga’s youth, some initiatives contributing to the city’s selection as a two-time 100 Best community include:
BRIDGES provides after-school programs to youth ages 8-14 with several sites that are strategically located in the community. Program participants receive the benefits of certified teachers as academic coaches, computer literacy instruction, volunteer service opportunities and culturally enriching experiences, among many others.
FOCUS is a student organization providing abstinence-based peer education for prevention of HIV, AIDS, teen pregnancy and other risky behaviors. FOCUS members survey local middle and high school students annually, present survey results to youth/community leaders; sponsor health fairs; facilitate dialogues with city/school officials and serve on the Prevention Partners advisory council.
Turning Point is designed for families of strong-willed and/or out of control youth ages 12-18. Intervention strategies are taught to participating parents through research-based curricula while youth focus on the Life Skills Training curriculum. Last year the recidivism rate for youth returning to juvenile court following program completion was low (16 percent), while nearly all participants were able to identify two effective responses to inappropriate behavior.
For the last 10 years, SAFE Family Services Center has provided meaningful opportunities for youth and their families to contribute to the growth of the community and serve others. Since the organization’s inception, over $7 million has been generated in grants, fundraisers and contributions to support youth/family programs while in fiscal year 2005-2006 SAFE provided a comprehensive array of family/youth support services valued at 1.4 million, simulating qualities for healthy and productive youth and families.