A strong commitment to service has always been a major focus of Phi Theta Kappa's mission. The Society emphasizes the correlation between scholarship and service, and encourages the chapters to become agents and in their communities. To most effectively concentrate the resources of Phi Theta Kappa's "army of scholars," the Society selects an International Service Program to become the focus of service activities carried out by chapters and regions.

America's Promise was founded in April 1997 at the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in Philadelphia, at which all five living Presidents, with former First Lady Nancy Reagan representing President Reagan, challenged all Americans to contribute their time, talents and treasure to support the nation's youth. America's Promise was formed as the instrument that would carry forward the work of the Summit and provide the national leadership required to achieve its enormous mandate.

At the heart of America's Promise is a set of five basic promises made to every child in America. In an effort to point them in the right direction and help them grow up strong and ready to take their place as successful adults, these five promises must be fulfilled for all children and young people. The five basic promises are:

1. An ongoing relationship with a caring adult - parent, mentor, tutor, or coach;
2. A safe place to be with structured activities during non-school hours;
3. A healthy start;
4. A marketable skill through effective education; and
5. An opportunity to give back through community service.

Phi Theta Kappa has the potential to reach communities across the country and around the world with its 1,200 chapters at community and technical colleges. Each chapter is encouraged to work closely with their college to strengthen their resources and commitment to America's Promise.

"I anticipate as a partner with America's Promise, Phi Theta Kappa members will serve as mentors, tutors and reading teachers," says General Colin Powell. "Many of you will volunteer with after-school programs in your local communities. Some of your chapters will work to improve learning environments through securing books and supplies, and each of you will have the opportunity to set positive examples for other campus organizations and student groups who will in turn also make a difference in the lives of young people.

"Working together," Powell continued, "America's Promise and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society can provide young people with the foundation for successful lives."

"Phi Theta Kappa appreciates the interest General Powell has shown in the Society, and I know Phi Theta Kappa's chapters around the world will be a valuable addition in the effort to build and strengthen the character and competence of America's youth," says Phi Theta Kappa Executive Director Rod A. Risley.

Stephanie Wright, Phi Theta Kappa's 1999-2000 International President, agrees. "America's Promise and Phi Theta Kappa are perfectly partnered in several ways," says Wright. "In my visits with chapters and regions, so many members have expressed a desire to continue their tutoring and mentoring work. America's Promise will encourage chapters to continue these efforts. It will also allow us to network within our communities, enhancing all that we do.

"Most of all," adds Wright, "I know that Phi Theta Kappa's exceptional members will make this project an unequivocal success, because it lets Phi Theta Kappans do what we do best: touch the future, one child at a time. This will be more than a project: America's Promise will become Phi Theta Kappa's promise - and we will keep it."

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