Education Through Service

Every child, regardless of age, race, or socio-economic level, needs certain basic resources as a foundation for success: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education, and opportunities to help others. The America's Promise Alliance defines these resources as the Five Promises, and when young people receive them, research shows they are much more likely to succeed. With their partners in the lead, the Alliance is working hard to deliver these Promises to the nation's young people. Through their 200 partner organizations, America's Promise Alliance is expanding efforts to offer the country's youth meaningful, community-based service-learning opportunities, and improve their chances of completing their education. Their "Ready for the Real World" initiative targets the vulnerable middle school population-- many students who ultimately drop out of school say they became disengaged during their middle school years. (author) This Washington Times op-ed piece by America's Promise chair Alma J. Powell explores the role that service and service-learning play in the continuing engagement and success of America's youth.