In a recent poll (October 2010) America's Promise Alliance ranked Scottsdale Arizona as one of the top 100 communities for young people.
America's Promise Alliance goes on to say:
Scottsdale is home to over 38,000 youth, and offers opportunities to grow, learn, play and work, all in an effort to enhance the quality of life. Scottsdale Unified School District is Arizona's top district, with 22 schools earning the state's highest rating. Scottsdale serves 27,000 students and employs 1,700 highly qualified teachers. An exemplary Student Service Learning component combines classroom studies with volunteerism promotes civic responsibility through community service. Scottsdale is a special community with excellent resources, progressive leadership, a commitment to collaboration, a dedication to enhancing the lives of all people, and many really incredible kids. Scottsdale is now a four time 100 Best winner.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of the Scottsdale community. A Multi-disciplinary Team coordinated by the City of Scottsdale’s Youth and Family Services has met monthly since 2000. Participants meet to create inter-agency connections and to enhance coordination for hard-to-serve families in Scottsdale. The team includes approximately 40 community representatives from schools, behavioral health agencies, probation, after-school and recreation programs, police and City Human Services.
The most significant challenge is preparing youth for the world of work. Scottsdale Unified School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides education for careers in current or emerging employment sectors. Courses are offered in 13 areas, such as Healthcare, Information/Technology, Engineering and Graphic Design. Last year, over 2,000 students attended CTE classes. Arcadia High School’s offers an award-winning media communications program. For computer science fields, Scottsdale School District partnered with Arizona State University, receiving a $600,000 three-year grant to teach a process called "service oriented computing" at Coronado High School. Also Project CORE operates a critical program for ninth graders at Coronado High School. Eighth graders are assessed based on academic scores and behavioral indicators. At-risk students are identified for Project CORE upon entrance into high school. Project CORE students are provided with a number of key supports including smaller classes, continuity with the same five academic teachers, support groups, speakers, and follow-up by counselors. Students are provided services and tracked until graduation.
Over 450 students participate in Scottsdale Schools Service Learning program, incorporating over 50,000 hours of community service into the curriculum. The City's Summer Youth Corps gives work opportunities to approximately 500 youth, who provide 15,000 hours of service to City services. Rotary International mentors over 1000 youth through their Interact Clubs, Rotary Youth Leaders and Youth Salute teaching leadership skills and global citizenship. Scottsdale Prevention Institute's Youth in Action develops leadership skills for youth and opportunities for engaging in community service and impacting social change.
Comments(2)