Forsyth Co. named one of best communities for young people

CUMMING - In an effort to encourage communities of all sizes and locations nationwide to become great places for young people to grow up, America s Promise Alliance has named Cumming/Forsyth County among the country's 100 Best Communities for Young People. Troup County (LaGrange) is the only other place in Georgia on the list.

Winning communities were chosen because of their dedication to provide "healthy, safe and caring environments for young people and help ensure more are graduating from high school."

More than 350 communities from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were nominated. The winners, 30 of which were first-time recipients, hail from 37 states. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges that included some of the nation s most well-known civic, business and nonprofit leaders.

With more than 7,000 students dropping out each school day in the U.S., this year s competition looked closely at what communities are doing to reduce dropout rates and prepare local youth for college and the 21st century workforce. To help increase graduation rates, the Alliance is committed to recognizing communities  regardless of size, location or history  that are working across sectors and taking real action to help young people stay in school. Which is why the 100 Best competition is part of the Alliance s Grad Nation campaign, a 10-year initiative to mobilize all Americans to end the dropout crisis.

America s Promise Alliance is the nation s largest partnership organization dedication to improving the lives of children and youth. Building on the legacy of its Founding Chairman General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of young people is grounded in the Five Promises caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others.