WASHINGTON – America’s Promise Alliance today announced $150,000 in grants to empower young people to organize, be heard, and take action on our country’s most pressing social issues. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 23, 2021)—The U.S. Department of Education released data today showing the high school graduation rate for the class of 2019 has reached a record high of 85.8%. These new figures show an increase from the previous year’s rate of 85.3% and indicate continued progress toward equity across the country, as rates for students from historically disadvantaged communities increased by more than the national average.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2021—The Power of Youth Challenge: Youth Leading Racial Healing empowers teens to design and lead service projects to promote racial equity and address systemic racism.

America’s Promise Alliance, a coalition working to spark collective action to overcome barriers that stand in the way of young people’s success, announced today that Mike O’Brien, former CEO of the national college success organization iMentor, has been named its new CEO. O’Brien brings deep experience in youth development, civic engagement, and education to the role.

Like many, I spent much of Wednesday afternoon transfixed by the coverage of the violent siege of the U.S. Capitol. I was consumed with sadness, anger, and fear.