America's Promise — The Alliance for Youth is a foundation founded by Colin Powell in 1997 to help children and youth from all socioeconomic sectors in the United States.[1]
In late April 1997 Presidents Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford and First Lady Nancy Reagan, representing President Ronald Reagan, met at the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in Philadelphia. Also present were 30 governors, 100 mayors, 145 community delegations, dozens of prominent business leaders and several thousand citizens. At this conference the Presidents asked the nation to make youth a top priority and to support the Five Promises. Powell was chairman of the conference and subsequently became the Chairman of the organization.He held that position until his appointment as Secretary of State but still actively supports the foundation. Alma Powell is currently Chair of the Alliance.
The foundation works with hundreds of companies, non-profit organizations, faith based organizations, educational institutions, as well as government agencies to achieve its goals. A complete list of partners can be found here.
Marguerite Kondracke, the wife of journalist Mort Kondracke, has served as CEO since 2004.
1. Ongoing relationships with caring adults – parents, mentors, tutors, neighbors,youth volunteers or coaches
A caring adult serves as a guide, a mentor and a role model for young people. This sense of connection—within and outside the family—is a powerful factor that encourages are connecting caring adults to young people.
2. Safe places with structured activities during non-school hours
A safe place with constructive activities gives youth an alternative to street corners, gangs and other harmful environments. A safe place nurtures young people's Promise partners are responding by creating safe havens for young people.
3. Healthy start and future
Children need a healthy start before they begin schooling – and adolescents also need accessible and affordable healthcare, including good nutrition; eye, ear and dental checkups; and regular exercise. America's Promise partners provide accessible and affordable health services for all young people throughout development.
4. Marketable skills through effective education
Marketable skills enable young people to prepare for employment in the 21st century. Young people must mast and analytical skills, learn workplace etiquette and know how to use new technology, such these essential career skills.
5. Opportunities to give back through community service
Community
Young volunteers have higher self-esteem, perform better in school, build leadership skills and learn how to solve community service –
even though most volunteer when asked. America's Promise partners are providing numerous opportunities for youth to help their communities.
America's Promise also has a public policy affiliate organization called First Focus [1].
In 2009, America's Promise Alliance published GradNation: A Guidebook to Help Communities Tackle the Dropout Crisis, a tool that includes suggestions for how a community can keep students in school and prepare them for life after school.[2]
References:
http://everyonecounts.sbcss.k12.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=21