The honor of the “100 Best” award was given to the City of Fontana for a second time due to the City’s “all hands on deck” approach to providing resources and skills needed for the young people of the community to create active and fulfilled lives.
“Fontana serves as an example to inspire and educate other communities across the nation to tackle the challenges facing their city and children and to implement initiatives that give them the essential resources they need to succeed in life,” said Marguerite W. Kondracke, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO. “Through its innovative and far-reaching programs, Fontana is taking bold and effective steps to help their young people graduate and lead healthy, productive lives.”
The American Promise Alliance recognizes communities that make youth a priority and implement programs that help keep children in school and prepare them for college and the 21st century workforce. The youth of the community are taught leadership skills, are able to participate in healthy activities and experience job training through effective collaborations between the City, schools, community leaders and organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club.
Among the resources available to the youth of the community is the new $65 million Lewis Library and Technology Center. The Center provides a place where children can experience personal attention and assistance on assignments, additional classroom resources and a safe place to learn and become empowered.
In addition to the Center’s youth focused efforts, the Fontana Unified School District and After School Program Coalition have formed a joint venture to provide engaging after school activities. These activities include physical fitness programs, help with homework and healthy snacks that are provided through collaboration with businesses, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, fitness centers and schools.
Students are also able to improve their leadership skills by participating in the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, which gives them a voice in policy decisions and allows them to take reign over youth issues.
Everyone in the community is invited to the celebration honoring the City of Fontana and its Community partners who provide a healthy start for the youth of the community.