Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, September 21, 2010

America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to youth and children, has again lauded Lexington/Fayette County among its “100 Best Communities for Young People.”

The competition is presented by ING, a global financial services company and leading provider of retirement plans and programs for teachers. The 2010 recognition marks the fourth win for Lexington/Fayette County.

The “100 Best” designation recognizes communities that make youth a priority with programs that help keep children in school and prepare them for college and the 21^st century workforce. In addition to enhancing local educational opportunities, most winning communities have taken steps to facilitate improved access to health care for its young people, encourage youth civic engagement and supply developmental resources that create better places for young people to live and grow.

Among the efforts cited in Lexington-Fayette County were Opportunity Middle College, which helps high school juniors and seniors earn college credit, the 2020 Vision initiative and the Community Partnership Leadership Team.

Lexington/Fayette County and the other winners spanning 37 states were recognized Sept. 21 at a ceremony in front of the Washington Monument on the National Mall.

Visit www.americaspromise.org/100Best for the list of communities and their accomplishments.