America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth

Retired Gen. Colin L. Powell became America's Promise founding chairman serving in that capacity until 2001. The mission of America's Promise is to strengthen the character and competence of America's youth. We'd like to see every child in America have the fundamental resources he or she needs to be ready for the future. These Five Promises that all children should benefit from are:

1. Caring adults in their lives, as parents, mentors, tutors, coaches
2. Safe places with structured activities in which to learn and grow
3. A healthy start and healthy future
4. An effective education that equips them with marketable skills
5. An opportunity to give back to their communities through their own service

America's Promise is an Alliance that brings together communities, individuals, companies and organizations from all sectors to improve the odds for children and youth. Members of this Alliance work together to:

• Change the public policies affecting children and youth
• Change the scale and scope of resources devoted to helping young people achieve their full potential
• Change practice in the way that young people are served