Group places Irvine in top 100 for young people

The city of Irvine was recognized last week as one of the best communities for young people in the United States.

America’s Promise Alliance, which was founded by Colin Powell in 1997, and ING, an online bank, honored 100 cities across the U.S in their 100 Best Communities for Young People campaign.

“Each community has proven that they are developing programs and implementing initiatives to provide young people with the essential resources they need to graduate from high school and succeed in college and a 21st century career,� Alma J. Powell, chairwoman of America’s Promise Alliance, wrote on their website.

This is the city’s third time on the list.

The nomination and recognition was based on the city’s commitment to planning for their youth’s future.

In 2008, the City Council passed its Strategic Plan for Children, Youth and Families to create specific citywide goals for youth to thrive in different aspects of their life, such as social, physical and academic aspects. The plan paved the way for Youth Action Team (YAT), which started last year and gives youth a voice in community concerns such as employment, health and education. There are more than 2,400 YAT student representatives.

Other programs such as Irvine Children’s Health Program, the Irvine Child Care Committee and the Irvine Child Care Project put Irvine in the top 100 in the nation.

For more information about Irvine’s acknowledgment, visit americaspromise.org.