Since its formation in 1997 by four U.S. Presidents and founding Chairman General Colin L. Powell, and through the leadership of its current Board Chair Alma Powell, America's Promise Alliance ("America's Promise") has been a leading advocate focused on stemming the alarming tide of rising high school dropout rates. This focus is especially needed in inner-city schools and those serving disadvantaged young people who often face difficult life challenges outside of school.

By partnering with the Simon Foundation for Education and Housing and its Simon Scholars Program, America's Promise is now positioned to extend its reach by not only encouraging students to complete high school, but also to now look at college as a real possibility as a "Simon Scholar."

"High school dropout rates devastate potentially bright futures and cost our nation dearly. Had the class of 2009 all graduated from high school, our economy would have benefited from $350 billion in additional tax revenues, wages, and productivity. The Simon Scholars Program is a great example of how we can help turn the tide to end the dropout crisis and see more students graduate from college. Through the Simon Scholars initiative, young people from difficult life circumstances gain the self-confidence and self-esteem that is critical to their success in high school and college."
-General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret)

"We have long believed that proper resources and wraparound student support will change the dropout crisis and lead more students to college. That's why America's Promise Alliance is sponsoring a Simon Scholars chapter at Cesar Chavez High School in Washington, D.C. Students like these, who stay in school and succeed in spite of life's challenges, provide the foundation we critically need for the next generation of America's leaders."
-Alma J. Powell, Chair, America's Promise Alliance