America's Promise

America's Promise. America's Promise is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives and futures of young people across the United States. Founded from the vision of a cross-sector alliance, it mobilizes communities and partners to fulfill fundamental resources for youth success. The organization operates on the principle that every young person deserves access to the essential supports necessary to thrive.

History and founding

The organization was launched on April 27, 1997, at the President's Summit for America's Future in Philadelphia, a historic event convened by former Presidents George H. W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan, with then-sitting President Bill Clinton and General Colin Powell serving as chair. The summit, inspired by the work of leaders like Livingston L. Biddle, Jr. and philanthropist Ray Chambers, aimed to spark a national movement around youth service. General Powell, who became the founding chairman, famously articulated the core concept as the "Five Promises" essential for youth development. The founding was supported by prominent organizations such as the United Way of America and the Points of Light foundation, establishing a broad coalition from its inception.

Mission and goals

The mission is centered on the fulfillment of the Five Promises: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education, and opportunities to help others. These goals are designed to provide a holistic framework for youth development, addressing critical needs from health and safety to civic engagement. The organization works to embed these promises into community systems and national policy conversations, partnering with entities like the U.S. Department of Education and the National League of Cities. Its overarching goal is to increase the number of "Promise Ready" youth—young people who experience a critical mass of these supports—across the nation, particularly in underserved communities.

Programs and initiatives

Key initiatives have included the Grad Nation campaign, a large-scale effort to increase high school graduation rates across the country, conducted in partnership with the Alliance for Excellent Education. The organization also launched the Ready by 21 challenge, providing tools and standards to cities and states for aligning youth services, often in collaboration with the Forum for Youth Investment. Other significant programs include the 100 Best Communities for Young People competition, which highlighted places like Indianapolis and San Antonio for their youth support systems. More recent work involves research partnerships with institutions like the Johns Hopkins University School of Education and digital campaigns like the #KeepYourPromise movement.

Impact and recognition

The organization's impact is measured through its annual Grad Nation reports, which have tracked national progress toward a 90 percent graduation rate, influencing policy discussions in states from California to New York. Its community-based work has been recognized by awards such as the National Human Services Assembly's award for excellence. Research from partners like Child Trends has shown correlations between experiencing the Five Promises and positive outcomes in education and health. The convening power of its summits, often held at venues like the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, has consistently brought together leaders from Coca-Cola to the NBA to advance youth-focused agendas.

Leadership and organization

Following General Powell's tenure as chairman, leadership passed to prominent figures such as Alma Powell, who served as chair of the board. The organization has been led by presidents including John Gomperts, former director of the Corporation for National and Community Service's AmeriCorps program. Its board of directors has included influential individuals from various sectors, such as former Governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm and business leader Ken Chenault of American Express. The organization maintains its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and operates through a network of partner alliances with groups like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the YMCA of the USA.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Youth organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1997