WASHINGTON COUNTY- And thanks to America's Promise Alliance, Washington County is now officially known as one of the best places in the country for young people to live in.

"It's not about us being perfect and not about us being the place every teenager in America wants to live," says Shalom Black Lane, executive director for Teens Have Choices. "It's more about he fact that the people who are here the teens the parents and the community members really want to do the best they can to make this a better place for teens."

"It sort of combines a traditional almost community- based school atmosphere with really cutting edge education," says Brien Poffenberger, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

To those who already live in Washington County this may not be anything new, but county officials say making it official is a new marketing tool they can use.

"In an economic development conversation it's great to come back and say listen these are the kinds of things we can offer to families to young people educational opportunities, recreational opportunities we've got it all here in Washington county."

Parents and county officials agree that the community's commitment to children has helped lower the drop out rate. They say education is key.

"It starts in school, great schools their extracurricular activities that are offered through the school system," says Poffenberger. "Then beyond that whether it's sports or arts and culture there is really the whole range of things for kids to get involved in."

"We tell people what our problems are or what we need and usually someone else in the room is able to raise their hand and say we have volunteers we'll send of our kids they need volunteers hours we'll send them to clean up your library," says Lane.

The America's Promise Alliance is an annual competition that recognizes communities that prioritize youth education and well-being.