In President Obama’s 2013 State of the Union address, he declared 20 areas nationwide would be designated as Promise Zones. The Administration recently announced that a second round of Promise Zone designations are open for solicitation. Promise Zones can be urban, rural, or tribal communities. In a Promise Zone, the Administration partners with local leaders to create jobs, increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, and reduce violent crime. Communities are invited to compete for federal funds, staffing, and five full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members to help recruit and manage volunteers.
The Promise Zone program focuses on areas that have struggled even as the economy recovers and unemployment falls. Twelve federal agencies, including Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA), will work in collaboration to provide resources and expertise to help stimulate the local economy and provide opportunities within these communities. For a full list of benefits click here.Any community meeting the Promise Zone eligibility requirements may apply.
- Nonprofits
- Public Housing Agencies
- Local Education Agencies
- Metropolitan Planning Organizations
- Community Colleges
