America's Promise

The 5 Promises

Promise No. 1

Caring Adults

Caring adults are the centerpieces of children’s development. They serve as guides, caretakers and advisers, who give positive and productive guidance throughout their development.

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Promise No. 2

Safe Places

To develop intellectually and emotionally, young people need physical and psychological safety at home, at school and in the community. Without such “safe places” – environments that support and encourage inquiry, exploration, and play without fear of harm – children aren’t able to get support, form positive relationships and concentrate on school.

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Promise No. 3

A Healthy Start

Children grow and learn better when they are born healthy and practice healthy habits throughout childhood, including proper nutrition and exercise, and have access to high quality learning opportunities. Healthy and well-nourished children are more able to develop their minds and bodies as they should, and they are far more capable of concentrating, learning and thriving throughout their school years.

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Promise No. 4

Effective Education

Our increasingly knowledge-driven world demands people who have the education and skills to thrive in a competitive marketplace, and to understand the increasingly complex world in which they live. That means that in order to compete and succeed, all young people will need an effective education that prepares them for work and life.

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Promise No. 5

Opportunities to Help Others

Through service to others and community, young Americans develop the character and competence they need to be helpful, hopeful and civically engaged all their lives, regardless of their own life circumstances. The chance to give back teaches young people the value of service to others, the meaning of community, and the self-respect that comes from knowing that one has a contribution to make in the world.

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Be Part of the Solution.

Fulfilling the Five Promises to youth is America’s responsibility, and we need you to join the effort. Young Americans need everyone – starting with you – to help them achieve their full potential.

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News & Updates

Jul 14, 2016

Funding Opportunities

The following grants and funding opportunities are currently accepting applicants. These grants are not offered through America's Promise Alliance, but they each relate to our Five Promises. If you have questions about these opportunities, please follow the links provided in each item.

Jul 14, 2016

90 for All: Getting a Student’s Name Right

School personnel who aren’t familiar with naming conventions from other cultures may have trouble correctly entering students’ names in databases. But misspellings can result in multiple student IDs and incomplete records. Worse, incorrectly entering students’ names can mean they miss getting the services they need, including language support.

Jul 13, 2016

Café Momentum: Helping Young People Find Skills, Housing, Healthcare, Hope

Out of the hundreds of young people who have worked at Café Momentum, 89 percent have continued on a positive path and improved their lives, leaving the juvenile justice system behind them.

Jul 13, 2016