Columbia has been named one of the “100 best communities for young people” by a national organization.
Colleen Wilber of America’s Promise Alliance says the organization looks at communities of all sizes when making the list. She says to receive recognition, a community must truly work together to help youth. She says the Promise Alliance was particularly impressed with Columbia’s Youth Community Coalition.
“More than 80 agencies and organizations coming together and really sort of making sure young people in Columbia from birth through college have the resources that they need and that’s that collaborative spirit that we’re looking for,” said Wilber.
Wilber says this was Columbia’s third consecutive year being recognized and that over the past three years, Columbia has shown commitment to youth in all sectors. She says Columbia was first recognized in 2010 after the city adopted a resolution to be a youth and family-friendly city.