An unprecedented gathering, unlike any other in our nation’s history, marked the founding of America’s Promise—The Alliance for Youth.  In April of 1997, at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, each living U.S. President – Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr., Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and former First Lady Nancy Reagan representing her husband Ronald Reagan—convened for the Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future on behalf of all the young people of our nation. Joining the Presidents were governors and mayors from across the country, and thousands of caring citizens from every part of American life—parents, educators, business-leaders, faith-based leaders, and young people themselves—who affirmed our commitment as a nation to the promise of America—our children. The Presidents’ Summit, lead by former General Colin Powell, put forth a challenge to every community in the nation to provide its youth access to the fundamental resources they need to become successful adults.