Six civic groups serving Arlington youth will be recognized tonight as Site of Promise Award winners. The recognition will occur at 6:30 p.m. during the Arlington City Council meeting in Council Chamber, 101 W. Abram St.

America’s Promise was established in 1997 as a challenge to the nation by all of the living U.S. presidents to make youth a priority by fulfilling five promises. The promises are to assure that all young Americans have caring adults, safe places with structured activities during non-school hours, a healthy start and future, marketable skills through effective education and opportunities to provide service to their community.

This month, the City of Arlington recognizes nonprofits and civic service organizations who fulfill America’s promise to youth. According to Social Capital Coordinator Lynda Freeman, 15 nominations were received. In September, the City will recognize Arlington businesses who help to build youth character and competence. In December, faith-based organizations will be recognized. In March, the City recognized outstanding after-school programs promoted on educational sites.

The following organizations will be recognized by the Arlington City Council and will receive Site of Promise Awards:

• Dental Health for Arlington

Dental Health for Arlington sponsors SMILES, a school-based preventative dental program serving low-income children in 23 Arlington elementary schools. Through the program, Dental Health of Arlington provides oral health education, new toothbrushes and dental care at the school campus. When this program started 10 years ago, 61 percent of the Arlington children had untreated tooth decay. Sixteen percent had severe decay. Today, the incidence of oral disease among children continues to decline. Dental Health for Arlington provides dental services to about 5,800 youth. For more information, call 817-277-1165.

• YMCA of Arlington

In 2003, the YMCA After School Program served more than 1,400 children in kindergarten through grade six. During the summer months, more than 950 participated in youth camps. The YMCA provided teen camps for boys and girls age 12-15 and sent 10 campers to a Teen Leadership Conference in Colorado. Youth sports, parent/child activities, aquatics and after-school programs create opportunities for success in youth. For more information about YMCA of Arlington, call 817-299-9629 Ext. 207.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas

In 2003, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas served more than 4,000 Arlington youths age 8-18. Its success is based on its efforts to establish ongoing relationships with caring adults and role models in safe places. Their mission is to enrich, encourage and empower children to reach their highest potential. While a match typically lasts about two years, many relationships last well beyond 10 years and some last a lifetime. For more information, call Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas at 817-277-1148 Ext. 231.

• Arlington High School Key Club

The Kiwanis Club of Arlington and the Arlington High School Key Club have formed a lasting partnership that benefits all of Arlington. They host tutorial programs at local schools and sponsor carnivals, clothing drives and fundraisers that benefit many segments of the Arlington population. Events such as After Dark in the Park, Father/Daughter Dance, Stockings for Christmas and Trick or Treat for UNICEF are just a few of the many organized efforts undertaken by this group of 377 members age 14-18. For more information about the Key Club, call Sponsor Rodney Copenhaver at 817-455-1778.

• Dance Theater of Arlington

For the past 10 years, the "I Am" community outreach program has been teaching self esteem, study skills and the arts. Each year, it reaches over 125 students. Classes are taught by professional volunteers, teachers, actors and musicians at Berry Elementary School. The program is funded by the Dance Theatre of Arlington. For more information about "I Am," call 817-261-7921.