America’s Promise Alliance is devoted to helping to create the conditions for success for all young people, including the millions currently being left behind. Our work is powered by our belief that all children are capable of learning and thriving, and that every individual, institution and sector shares the responsibility to help young people succeed.
We are the nation’s largest partnership of our kind, bringing together hundreds of national nonprofits, businesses, communities, educators and ordinary citizens behind the idea of making the promise of America accessible to all young people.
Far too many young people are growing up without the support they need to succeed in school and life. More than 20 percent of high school students do not graduate on time. Moreover, the most recent estimate is that 5.8 million young people between age 16 and 24 are neither in school nor employed. This lack of opportunity for young people is morally untenable, economically unsustainable, and fundamentally inconsistent with our values and aspirations as a nation.
We frame our work around Five Promises that we believe must be made and kept to every young American – caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education, and opportunities to serve. With the supportive environment of these promises at work for young Americans, we believe we can reach a more tangible goal: a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020. Our GradNation campaign is focused on putting this critical milestone – and therefore a shot at the American Dream – within reach for young Americans.
At our founding in 1997, we set forth Five Promises that create the essential conditions for all young people to have a real chance of success. Research shows that young people who experience at least four of the promises are far more likely to succeed academically, socially, economically and civically. That’s why, our Alliance works to keep the Five Promises to as many young people as possible.
Alliance Partnership
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership dedicated to improving the lives of young people. America’s Promise partners are national organizations and include nonprofits, education institutions, corporations, associations, faith-based groups, and more.
GradNation
No single achievement in a young person’s life is more indicative of adult success than the ability to graduate high school. Since 2010, America’s Promise’s GradNation campaign has focused the nation’s attention, and our own work, on raising national graduation rates to 90 percent by 2020, while dramatically increasing college enrollment and completion. With constant collective efforts, we’re on track to meet our goals.
Advocacy
America's Promise Alliance's policy affilate is First Focus, which serves as our partner in advocating for young people. First Focus works to ensure that our leaders focus first on the impact their policy decisions have on children and families.
Leadership & Staff
America’s Promise Alliance functions with leaders from all sectors of American life: the business community, nonprofits, community groups, policymakers, experts in children’s and youth issues, concerned individuals and young people.
