Waukesha Named Top Community for Young People

Editor's Note: The following information was provided to Patch via a news release.

Waukesha is named one of America’s Promise Alliance’s . The national award was given to Waukesha to recognize its innovative programs and services that make it an outstanding place for youth to live, learn and grow.

Waukesha, which was ranked earlier this year as the , was the only community from Wisconsin to make America’s Promise Alliance’s 2012 rankings.

Waukesha provides young people with services that create opportunities for growth and success. Four-year-old children and their families can join 4K ‘Future 4 Waukesha,’ which is a community and school based 4-year-old kindergarten program through the School District of Waukesha.

Another youth development program, the Waukesha Youth Collaborative, coordinates and engages youth and their families with community services to build strong values for successful, responsible youth. 

To encourage an appreciation for the arts and to build self-esteem, the Waukesha Community Art Project their self-expression, creativity, leadership skills and community involvement with an afterschool art program. Youth and their families can enjoy the , which helps encourage creativity and learning through an interpretive trail with instructional signs with fun and simple games.

“America’s Promise Alliance’s recognition of Waukesha is due to our Park and Recreation Department’s expertise and our community’s collaboration, can-do spirit and focus on renewal,” said Mayor Jeff Scrima.

Waukesha 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.

All communities entering the 100 Best competition completed a rigorous application where they provided details on how their existing programs and initiatives help deliver the Five Promises—resources identified by America’s Promise as being critical to the development of healthy, successful children: caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; effective education; and opportunities to help others.

• A list of all 2012 winners can be found at AmericasPromise.org/100Best.
• The webcast can be viewed at AmericasPromise.org/100Bestwebcast.