San Antonio’s youth engagement programs recognized by National Civic League

The city of San Antonio has been named one of 20 finalists for the 2023 National Civic League All-America City Award, according to an April 3 news release.

The release said this year’s finalists are being recognized for their work to improve the health and well-being of young people and, by extension, all residents in their community with a focus on engaged communities that welcome youth.

Local officials said San Antonio’s application emphasized how youth voices and advocacy are included in decision-making efforts citywide, including:

• The city’s San Antonio Youth Commission and Teen Ambassadors, which advise the mayor and City Council on important youth issues;
• The South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless Youth Action Board, composed of current and former homeless youth;
• The San Antonio Education Partnership scholarship program; and
• The Ambassador Summer Internship Program, which created an internship collaborative, including Family Service, SA WORX and Workforce Solutions Alamo.

Additionally, the Nxt Level Youth Opportunity Center, which opened in 2019, provides education and career services for youth ages 16-24 who are not working or in school, city officials said.

The city also partners with Communities in Schools-San Antonio, Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, Northside ISD, and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County to provide these services to young adults.

Finalist cities were chosen based on their shared vision, civic engagement, inclusiveness and equity, collaboration, innovation and impact, the release said, adding that there are two other Texas finalist communities—Dallas and Saginaw.

The winners will be announced at the National Civic League convention on June 9-11 in Denver.

“The city of San Antonio is proud to be named a finalist for the All-America City award,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement. “San Antonio is a compassionate city, and this is reflected in how our community responds to the needs of all residents. I am grateful for the programs and services that have been created, specifically for our young adults.”