America’s Promise Alliance is dedicated to providing all young people, from the first breath they take to the last cheer they receive at graduation, with the resources they need to flourish in school and life.We have builtthe country’s leading partnership committed to improving the lives of children and youth:national nonprofits,businesses, coalitions of educators and policymakers, communities, and individuals.
At the center of our work is the GradNation campaign. It has two goals:a 90 percent nationwide high school graduation rate by 2020, and achievingdramatic increases in postsecondary enrollment and completion. The country has made encouraging progress in increasing the number of high school graduates. In 2013, for the first time, the U.S. was on track to reach the 90 percent graduation rate.
But much remains to be done.One out of every fivestudents – almostone million every year – fails to earn a high school diploma. Of those who do graduate, many lack the skills they need to succeed. For African-American and Hispanic students, the likelihood of graduating is, respectively, just more than one in three and one in four. It will take all of us, working together, to prepare all children for success.
Our History
America’s Promise grew out of the 1997 Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future, when the nation’s living presidents united to affirm that all Americans bear responsibility for the well-being of our children and youth.
Under the leadership of our founding chair General Colin Powell and current Chair Alma Powell, our work has always revolved around fulfillingFive Promises in the lives of young people: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, Effective Education, and Opportunities to Help Others. The number of students dropping out of schooldemonstrates a critical shortage of these fundamental resources in the lives of millions of children. Research and experience show that the Five Promises change lives, regardless of children’srace, where they live, or their family’s income.
Our Strength
America’s Promise collaborates with hundreds of national partners and their local affiliates, providing us a powerfulpresence in communities across the country and making us a catalyst for dynamic change.We focus on the young people, schools and communities that need us the most—those with limited resources or struggling education systems. We raise awareness of current needs and effective solutions; create connections across our network; and share knowledge about resources and research that lead to better outcomes for young people.
For more information, visit
America’s Promise Alliance | 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW | Suite 900 | Washington, DC 20005 |