The winning communities are:
Rapid growth in Charlotte brought social, economic, and public safety challenges, but the city has been innovative in its approach to addressing these issues and is intentionally engaging residents, including youth, in building Charlotte’s future. Young residents have been exposed to career opportunities and experiences through the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program and have the chance to express themselves in safe and open conversational-style sessions as part of the Peer Club and Meditation programs. Additionally, the police department’s innovative diversion program has broken the cycle of youth justice system involvement, reducing juvenile arrests by 46%!
The City of Dallas has a rich history of youth activism and engagement. The Dallas Youth Commission spearheads youth forums, community service events, crime prevention programs, and youth voter engagement efforts. Additionally, the Welcoming Dallas Strategic Plan celebrates the contributions of immigrants, promotes equitable access to government services, builds trust with law enforcement, and increases access to ESL and legal services. Dallas also improved access to arts and culture by engaging residents and stakeholders in a robust cultural planning process.
When data showed that many young residents weren’t thriving, Davie County began working on innovative solutions. Davie Works, connects students with local employers to provide career awareness, onsite tours, work-based learning opportunities, post-secondary education opportunities, and pathways to 21st-century careers. The program equips students with the tools they need to succeed in all future endeavors, whether that be continuing their education or going directly into the workforce. To help with financial limitations, the IGNITE DAVIE College Promise program provides students in Davie County with scholarships to attend the local community college. Additionally, a youth grants board funds youth-led projects addressing issues such as poverty, hunger, technology needs, youth workforce development, placemaking, and racism.
Celebrating its bicentennial this year, Decatur has a history of ensuring all voices are heard and valued. For example, a robust community engagement process resulted in the design and installation of Legacy Park, the community’s first totally accessible and inclusive playground. This same commitment to inclusivity led the city to set the goal of achieving recognition as one of the first Child-Friendly Cities in the United States, an effort that the Decatur Youth Council (DYC) has been actively involved in. Established in 2016, the DYC provides opportunities for high schooler students to learn more about local government and participate in the city’s decision-making process.
Like most communities in recent years, Fayetteville has wrestled with issues around public health, social justice, racial equity, and community-police relations. Fayetteville has responded by harnessing the power of conversation and collaboration. Countless hours were spent in conversation with the community about how to repurpose Market House. The collective body of feedback led to the proposal of a dramatic repurposing plan for the storied structure. Another strength of the community is in-depth youth empowerment programs. The youth council provides an avenue for youth to develop leadership skills while implementing innovative service projects, and several city departments give pathways for young people to grow and learn.
Rather than focus on the limitations of being a small, lower-income, rather isolated town, Gonzales capitalizes on its strengths and opportunities with a can-do approach, often referred to as “The Gonzales Way.” Over the past 10 years, the city has made significant accomplishments in expanding healthcare access, increasing job opportunities, and adopting sustainability practices and policies. Gonzales has launched dozens of initiatives that are transforming the city into a laboratory for collaborative efforts designed to build a healthy community. Gonzales has reimagined a Community Center Complex, implemented a Community Health Worker Program, and empowered youth leaders to educate their community on pressing issues such as mental health.
The City of Hampton doesn’t have a “city” plan; it has a community plan developed by thousands of residents, business owners, property owners, educational institutions, and a variety of non-profits and associations. Civic engagement in Hampton doesn’t stop with the community plan, residents and specifically youth, have a real voice in policy and directly participate in the design and implementation of community programs. Hampton is working together to transform educational programs to promote student success in modern society. Additional collaborative programs to improve community-police relations and provide youth with broad opportunities are ensuring Hampton's future is bright.
People from different races, places of origin, languages, faiths, and identities interweave to give the Mesa community its rich vibrancy. However, in a time of divisive rhetoric and misinformation, it was vital to keep focused on the strength of Mesa’s diversity, which is why the city passed a Non-Discrimination Ordinance, memorializing its commitment to equality, diversity, and fair access to opportunities. In the same spirit of inclusion, Mesa honors youth voice and participation through several programs. Hactivate Mesa sees high school students discover, study, analyze and present data about a community issue or challenge. Project Lit uses poetry, hip hop, and drama to promote literacy and activate social and emotional development. Finally, positive youth experiences with law enforcement are promoted through sports and simulation activities.
The art of sweetgrass basket making is a Gullah tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation in Mount Pleasant. Local sweetgrass pulled from the marshes and creeks is used by basket makers who spend endless hours weaving the grasses together. Just like the sweetgrass baskets patiently sewn, through collaboration, innovation, and engagement, Mount Pleasant created an intricate pattern of diversity that bonded the community. An intellectual disability inclusion movement led to the creation of sensory-friendly businesses as well as safe and accessible workplaces where employees with disabilities can thrive. Mount Pleasant is also collaboratively addressing the dual epidemic of suicide and substance misuse, and weaving bonds of trust with the police department.
Like many large, urban cities in the United States, San Antonio residents have been challenged by seemingly intractable levels of poverty. Because traditional methods haven’t had the impact to systematically reduce poverty for all residents, especially children and the most vulnerable, the city and its partners sought durable, new solutions. The NXT LEVEL Youth Opportunity Center connects disengaged youth with education or career opportunities. The Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Program is an evidence-based, trauma-informed strategic framework providing youth aging out of foster care with barrier-free access to education and housing. Lastly, the Future Ready Plan aims to increase postsecondary enrollment of high school graduates in a degree or credential program to 70%.
