Applications will be accepted from Thursday, May 19 through Friday, July 29, 2005.  An online application and additional information is available at this link.  An 800 (1-800-365-0153) number is also available to answer your additional questions. The "100 Best" will be divided among five regions of the country. Honorees will include communities of all types and sizes: urban, rural and suburban, large and small. Communities of all sizes are strongly encouraged to apply. Communities named to the "100 Best" list will be announced in September and will be recognized at a special gala reception in Washington, DC this fall.  

America's Promise believes that the more support young people receive from their community the more likely they are to be successful. Every child needs a caring adult role model in his or her life; a safe place to learn and grow; a healthy start; an opportunity to learn marketable skills through effective education; and opportunities to give back through community service. These are the Five Promises that America's Promise strives to fulfill for every child. The Five Promises served as the guiding principle in developing criteria for "100 Best Communities for Young People" campaign.  

America's Promise feels it is important to include the perspective of young people on the selection committee. Troy Dibley, president of Circle K International (the collegiate student affiliate of Kiwanis) and Kathryn Kendall, a college student currently serving on the America's Promise Board of Directors, will serve on the selection panel.  

Individuals, civic groups or non-governmental organizations are encouraged to collaborate with government organizations to apply. These applications that have representation from multiple sectors will be more competitive because the information they provide will be more comprehensive. The America's Promise Web site - www.capwiz.com - will provide visitors with information on how to contact their local officials and get involved with this important effort.

This is a great way to get local and national media attention, allow other communities to learn from your creative ideas, and help outstanding local programs get attention for their long term success.