All-America City Award

Background

Mesa wins the All-America City Award for youth programs that encourage engagement, education attainment and service in their communities. The prestigious award by the National Civic League is bestowed every year to ten municipalities or counties that are directly impacting the lives of their residents.

"Mesa is an All-American City. This year's theme was youth engagement and our application put a spotlight on programs that directly support the growth and success of our youth. They are our future and together we'll thrive," said Mesa Mayor John Giles.

Under the umbrella of the Together Mesa diversity initiatives, the City presented Project Lit, Hacktivate, SPARC (Sports Program Activities Reuniting Communities), the Mayor Youth Committee, and Mesa College Promise to a panel of national judges gathered in Denver. More than 50 youth, program managers and elected officials participated in the presentation.

"This award is a testament to Mesa's commitment to future generations and the impact many of our City programs have on our youth," said Mesa City Manager Chris Brady. "We are incredibly proud of the work of the delegation in Denver and can't wait to celebrate this enormous achievement."

The 2023 All-America City Award recognizes communities that are working to improve the health and well-being of young people, with particular attention to efforts that engage young people in this work. The last time Mesa won the All-America City Award was in 1979.

The following are the five community-driven Mesa youth engagement projects we highlighted during the 2023 All-America City competition.

• Hacktivate Mesa is a collaborative event that engages 8th graders to master’s candidates to tackle some of the most challenging issues facing Mesa. Participants study and analyze Mesa data while they exercise their critical thinking, problem-solving, STEM and presentation skills.
  
  
• Project Lit was founded in 2015 as an art learning program that uses poetry, Hip Hop, and drama to promote literacy and activate social and emotional development with young and emerging adults.
  
  
• SPARC (Sports, Programs & Activities Reuniting Community) Youth Programs is the umbrella over Mesa Police initiatives to strengthen police-youth relations and proactive police engagement within our diverse community. SPARC Youth Programs provide opportunities to play fun sports, experience simulation activities, and learn life skills with the support and mentorship of public safety officers.
  
  
• The Mayor’s Youth Committee (MYC) is a year-long program for Mesa juniors and senior students interact with the Mayor, City Council and City staff to learn the ins and outs of city government and public service.
  
  
• Mesa College Promise is the City of Mesa and Mesa Community College (MCC) commitment to Mesa residents, that all qualified high school graduates can attend MCC for two years with tuition and fees fully funded.