The Our Town Award

In 2002 Hampton received the Our Town Award from the Jostens Foundation and Search Institute, established to honor small, medium and large communities that have used the principles and practices of the 40 Developmental Assets in their approach to youth. Hampton received this award on the basis of our Youth Civic Engagement System. According to Search Institute,

"The selection committee was unanimous in recognizing the exemplary work being done in Hampton, VA around authentic youth engagement in many areas of civic life. In addition, a major commitment by the schools to improve school climate and help train youth for roles of participation and leadership, demonstrates that Hampton is a community where multiple sectors are pulling in the same direction to engage youth in their community and help them build the skills they need to be successful."