WATERBURY, CT (WFSB) -
Three Connecticut municipalities were named among the top 100 communities for young people to live in.
Waterbury, Hamden and Norwalk were chosen by America's Promise Alliance as some of the best communities for young people.
Waterbury Mayor Neil M. O'Leary said the national award recognizes the city's commitment to lowering the high school dropout rate and creating programs for its youth. He added that the award is "significant and meaningful" to the whole Waterbury community.
"Over the last year we've made progress to help young people reach their potential and play a meaningful, productive role in the society because no one has more at stake in this community than our kids," he said in a release Wednesday. "So many dedicated people and programs contributed to this win and it further reinforces our belief that a focus on youth pays dividends to the entire community."
Some successful youth programs in Waterbury include StayWell Health Center, which provides free medical care to 8,000 young adults who are uninsured or underinsured, and the youth council, which helps youth develop leadership skills.
"The 100 Best Communities for Young People award recognizes the hard work of many community members that have dedicated their time to making a difference in the lives of our youth," said Dr. Kathleen M. Ouellette, superintendent of schools.
There were 360 municipalities that applied for the contest and only 100 were selected.
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