Colin Powell, who in 2001 would become Secretary of State, served as chair of the summit and subsequently as founding chairman of America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth, the organization that grew out of the summit.

America's Promise is the managing partner of a broad alliance of communities and local and national organizations dedicated to bringing their collective power together to fulfill our nation's obligation to assure that all young people have five fundamental resources:

1. Caring adults in their lives, as parents, mentors, tutors, coaches

2. Safe places with structured activities in which to learn and grow

3. A healthy start and healthy future

4. An effective education that equips them with marketable skills

5. An opportunity to give back to their communities through their own service

These fundamental resources also are known as the Five Promises. And, research reveals that the Five Promises work. Children who experience the Five Promises are less likely to engage in negative behaviors and are five to 10 times more likely to succeed as students, citizens, parents, and employees who make meaningful contributions to their communities.