Apply Today for the 2011 100 Best Communities for Young People

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) March 30, 2011 - Is your community a great place for young people to live, learn and thrive? If so, America's Promise Alliance and Voya want to hear your story!

Applications for the 2011 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by Voya are now available online. Don’t delay in registering your community for this award!   All applications are due by May 27, 2011.   Early submissions, due by May 4, will be eligible for two special awards: one $2,500 grant recognizing an outstanding local dropout prevention program, and one $2,500 scholarship to the author of the youth testimonial that best captures the spirit of the 100 Best Communities program.   Any community working to put young people first should apply for recognition!   Past winners range from some of our nation's largest cities like New York City and Houston to small rural communities, from counties to school districts. Any community with geographic boundaries and a resident population is eligible to apply.   Winning communities receive a host of benefits including:

• national and local media recognition

• financial assistance to help host a local celebration

• access to Alliance Partner resources and trainings

• assistance in seeking grant funding from a variety of sources, and much more

  Full program information, including eligibility guidelines and a schedule of technical assistance sessions, is available at www.americaspromise.org/100best.   About Voya Voya is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance, and retirement services to over 85 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 40 countries. With a diverse workforce of about 107,000 people, ING is dedicated to setting the standard in helping our clients manage their financial future.   In the U.S., the Voya family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, and financial planning. Voya holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves nearly 30 million customers across the nation.   About America’s Promise Alliance  America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth by raising awareness, supporting communities, and engaging in nonpartisan advocacy. Through our Grad Nation campaign, we harness the collective power of our partner network to mobilize Americans to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce.  Building on the legacy of our Founding Chairman General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our young people is grounded in the Five Promises—caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others.  For more information about America’s Promise Alliance, visit www.americaspromise.org.