Braintree Named One of Top 100 Places to Live For Young People

For its high graduation rate, focus on youth safety and other programs that promote quality of life for young people, Braintree has been named one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING.

It is the first time that Braintree is on the list in its six-year history. The top 100 were chosen from more than 300 communities that "completed a rigorous application where they provided details on how their existing programs and initiatives help deliver the Five Promises—resources identified by America’s Promise as being critical to the development of healthy, successful children: caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; effective education; and opportunities to help others," according to a press release.

America's Promise Alliance is made up of more than 400 national businesses, educators, and policymakers with a goal of improving the lives of the country's children and youth.

"Receiving national attention as one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best is significant and meaningful for Braintree," Mayor Joseph Sullivan said in a statement. “There are many people and organizations in our Town accomplishing many good tasks that allow us all to grow as a vibrant community."

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Along with 's 99.5 percent graduation rate and the 92 percent of its students that go on to higher education, town officials also pointed to initiatives such as the Braintree Rotary Club's , the Braintree Alliance for Safe and Healthy Youth, Braintree’s Community Partnership on Substance Abuse and the as reasons for the selection.

“Being recognized for our accomplishments and achievements is another one of those proud moments for our schools and community at large,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Peter Kurzberg.

Braintree will receive a $2,500 grant, signage identifying the community as one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People, and access to America’s Promise Alliance’s community development resources, according to the press release.

The competition is also part of the Grad Nation campaign, aimed at raising the national high school graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020, with no school graduating fewer than 80 percent of its students on time.

Do you agree that Braintree is a top place for young people to live? Tell us in the comments below.