5 Promises Checklist

America's Promise was founded after the April 1997 Presidents' Summit for America's Future, held in Philadelphia, PA. Presidents Clinton, Bush, Carter and Ford, with First Lady Nancy Reagan representing her husband, challenged the nation to make youth a national priority. Their call to action included a commitment to fulfilling the five promises. Colin Powell is the founding chairman of America's Promise, which has grown into an alliance of more than 400 national partner organizations and 400 local initiatives (involving community and state partners.)

1. Caring Adults - Ongoing relationships with caring adults - parents, mentors, tutors or coaches - offer youth support, care and guidance.

2. Safe Places - Safe places with structured activities during nonschool hours provide both physical and emotional safety for youth.

3. Healthy Start - Adequate nutrition, exercise and health care pave the way for healthy babies, healthy minds and smart habits for adulthood.

4. Marketable Skills - Marketable skills through effective education help youth successfully navigate the transition from school to work.

5. Opportunities to Serve - Opportunities to give back through community service enhance self-esteem, boost confidence and heighten a sense of responsibility to the community.

For more information, visit www.americaspromise.org.