Improving the lives of 15 million at-risk young people through the power of the Five Promises – that is the five-year goal of the America’s Promise Alliance. We call it our “15 in 5” game plan. Our research, Every Child, Every Promise, shows a strong correlation between children who experience the Five Promises and the academic, social and civic outcomes that put our young people on a trajectory toward a successful adulthood. Therefore it is imperative we find a way for more children to experience these wrap-around supports. Every Child, Every Promise also laid the ground work for how we could turn failure into action and improve the lives of 15 million at-risk young people.
We started with the Leadership Forum – “15 Million More: A Blueprint for Action.” Sponsored by the America’s Promise Alliance and the National Collaboration for Youth, the Forum brought together more than 90 leaders from multiple sectors – representing nonprofits, funders, business and government – to develop an action plan to support our “15 in 5” goal. The outcome was an unprecedented collaboration between Forum participants resulting in the three Action Strategies.
Where the Kids Are
Beginning with schools as hubs, integrate school and community services so at-risk children receive more Promises year round.
America's Promise Alliance Staff contact: Tanya Tucker (TanyaT@americaspromise.org)
All Kids Covered
See that all eligible children are enrolled in SCHIP and Medicaid.
Ready for the Real World
Engage every middle-school student in service-learning and career exploration by designing “real-world” experiences relevant to them.
America's Promise Alliance Staff contact: Elaine Leibsohn (ElaineL@americaspromise.org)
These Action Strategies will come to life through:
Participation: We will garner support from all sectors and audiences, including communities, policymakers, educators and young people.
Performance: We will build on what works and use data to measure results.
Places: We will prioritize places for our efforts based on needs, opportunities and existing momentum.
Public Outreach: We will inform Americans about the urgency of the challenge at hand and urge them to adopt our strategic ideas.
Policy and Practice: We will pursue both best practices and public policies that support and advance these National Action Strategies.