America's Promise Alliance

01/26/2026

Welcome to the Alliance, CARA (College Access: Research & Action)!

Celebrating 15 years since its founding, CARA has been a leader in reimagining postsecondary advising—not as an enrichment for some, but as an entitlement for all. Their work has shaped how schools, colleges, and community-based organizations support young people in navigating college and career pathways, with a focus on systems-level change that lasts.

Through institutional capacity building and original research and policy work, CARA partners with high schools, districts, higher education institutions, and nonprofits to strengthen postsecondary advising models and advance peer-to-peer approaches that center students’ lived experiences. Their solutions are designed not only to support today’s students, but to transform institutions for generations to come.

As an early recipient of a MacKenzie Scott grant, CARA has scaled its impact from New York City to the national stage, bringing a multi-pronged, research-driven approach to a moment when protecting and advancing opportunity for young people is more critical than ever.

Co-Executive Directors, Dr. Janice Bloom, and Dr. Lori Chajet share:

“For 15 years, CARA has worked to ensure that access to postsecondary guidance is not a privilege, but a promise. Joining America’s Promise Alliance allows us to deepen partnerships, share what we’re learning, and work together to transform access and success guidance from an ‘enrichment for some’ to an ‘entitlement for all’.”

We’re proud to welcome CARA as they join Alliance members across the country working together to build a more equitable future for all young people.

01/19/2026

Dr. King’s vision was never about individual success. It was about shared responsibility.

Today, young people are clear about what it takes to thrive. In our State of Young People research, the vast majority say strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and tangible opportunities help them feel equipped to shape their futures – yet too many still lack access to those conditions.

On this MLK Day, we honor Dr. King’s legacy by standing with nonprofit leaders, educators, community advocates across the country who are building these coalitions together.

01/13/2026

🎉 Funding opportunity for youth-serving organizations:

826 National is now accepting applications for the Write to Thrive Fund, a $20,000 grant opportunity for nonprofits, schools and out-of-school-time programs who are interested in using writing to support student well-being, mental health and creative expression.

They are especially hoping to connect with organizations that serve low-income, BIPOC, and/or English Language Learner (ELL) students—and with partners in communities without an existing 826 chapter (including rural, urban, and tribal communities). Grantees must engage at least 100 students in grades 4–12 in the program during the grant period (Feb–Aug 2026)

Selected partners will receive:
▪️ $20,000 in grant funding
▪️A flexible, writing-based workshop series centered on reflection, creativity, and care
▪️Facilitator resources, training, and a short curriculum guide from 826 National.

The deadline is January, 21st, 2026. Please apply and help Laura Brief & team spread the word by sharing with colleagues or organizations that might be a good fit!

Learn More 👉🏽

We support community writing centers, publish young authors, and equip educators to help every student discover the power and joy of writing.

01/12/2026

"What stood out most to me was a shared belief: that our greatest impact will come from acting collectively, and not in silos as the nonprofit sector often does."

Read more from APA Denver Executive Director, Sam Battan's, recent blog post here: https://bit.ly/3Z6TR99

01/07/2026

Alliance members and Communities In Schools were recently announced by the NFL as two of six new Inspire Change Grant Partners for 2026 joining Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Year Up United and more.

Read the full story:

As part of Inspire Change Week celebrations, the NFL is proud to announce six new Inspire Change grant partners, totaling $1.2 million in new grant funding to support education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform. This year’s grant recipients include the C...

01/06/2026

Congratulations to The Neurodiversity Alliance Founder and CEO, David Flink, on this well-deserved Bezos Courage & Civility Award, a major win for neurodiversity education and student support. This award will help scale support in 2,000+ schools by 2028. We are so inspired by their work of empowering neurodivergent learners nationwide. Read the article here to learn more:

David Flink, Founder and CEO of The Neurodiversity Alliance, has recently been named a recipient of the 2025 Bezos Courage & Civility Award, receiving $5 million to support and accelerate the organization’s mission to create more inclusive learning environments for […]

01/01/2026

As we step into a new year, we’re reflecting on the stories, people, and progress that shaped our 2025. Wishing you and your communities a happy new year and looking forward to what we’ll accomplish together in 2026!

12/24/2025

As we gather around the warmth of the holiday season, we at America's Promise Alliance are reminded of what truly makes this time of year special: the strength of our community.

In a world that often feels in need of connection, the Alliance has been a beacon of unity and shared purpose. This year, more than ever, we find ourselves grateful for each member who brings their unique light and dedication to our collective mission.

Community means standing together, learning from one another, and lifting each other up. It's the shared hope that fuels our work and the sense of belonging that keeps us moving forward. We are grateful for each conversation, every shared challenge, and all the moments of collaboration that have helped us create a stronger, more compassionate sector.

Wishing you all a restful and restorative holiday break, and thank you for being an integral part of our Alliance community.

-The APA Team

12/22/2025

Earlier this month, leaders from 23 youth-serving organizations gathered for APA Denver’s first member convening—marking a powerful shift from working in silos to acting as a true collective.

In this reflection, our Denver Executive Director Sam Battan shares what emerged, why trust is foundational, and how collaboration can expand opportunity for every young person in Denver.

Watch this video from the convening and read the full piece to learn more: 'When Denver Comes Together' ↓

12/19/2025

We’re excited to welcome Wearelee to the Alliance community.

As a leadership development organization, LEE supports leaders to engage in their communities and expand access and opportunity where they live and work. Whether it is through education, organizing, or public service, LEE walks alongside people who are committed to creating real change.

What started as a commitment to support alumni from one organization has grown into a powerful network. Today, LEE partners with alumni from more than 25 mission-driven groups.

We’re proud to have them as part of the Alliance.

Michael Buman, LEE Executive Director:
“We’re excited to be part of a community that shares our values. We know that real impact takes partnership, and the Alliance brings together organizations that are moving in the same direction. We’re here to learn, grow, and contribute wherever we can.”

12/12/2025

We’re excited to share new reflections from our Atlanta Executive Director, Jaz Burton, on the second convening of the Atlanta Alliance, where leaders from across the city’s youth-serving ecosystem came together to deepen relationships, share candid insights, and continue shaping a collaborative path forward for young people.

APA is a national field-builder and community of 160+ of the nation’s leading youth-serving organizations—including the largest and most effective national nonprofits in our issue areas as well as place-based organizations in our Partner Cities of Atlanta and Denver—that strengthens the organizations serving young people and unites them in powerful collective action to expand opportunity and mobility for the next generation.

In , that collective work is taking root through convenings like this one, where Alliance leaders can reflect together, identify shared challenges, and co-design the conditions for sustained, community-driven impact.

➡️ Read Jaz’s full reflections here: https://bit.ly/4oUF0ZP

Photo credit: The New Narrative Group (Brandon Malcolm, Kyle Robertson)

In November 2025, 16 of the 20 organizations in our founding APA Atlanta community gathered at Pittsburgh Yards. The space itself mattered. Pittsburgh Yards is a values aligned, community rooted hub made possible in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, one of APA Atlanta’s early seed funders. Be...

12/08/2025

Nonprofits nationwide are helping young people navigate urgent challenges in mental health, education access, and economic stability. Explore what we’re learning from the field and how communities are responding.

Read our latest Field Insights report: https://bit.ly/4rKM4el