The Program
The Iowa AmeriCorps State of Promise (IASOP) Program is a unique partnership between AmeriCorps and Iowa's Promise. The vision of Iowa's Promise is that “all Iowa youth have safe and supportive families, schools and communities and that they are healthy, socially competent, successful in school and prepared for a productive adulthood.”
In order to achieve this vision, Iowa's Promise's mission is to “ensure that state agencies with a compelling interest in the well-being of children and youth in Iowa will integrate the following Iowa Youth Development Results Framework into the work of their respective agencies. It is our hope that, as a collaborative body working together with youth in their communities, these agencies will achieve collective goals, participate in joint decision making, and foster mutual accountability for positive results.”
Research shows that if the Five Promises, as defined by America's Promise, are consistently fulfilled, they can significantly advance the health and well-being of the next generation – increasing the chances of youth becoming successful adults. The five promises are:
- Caring Adults: Ongoing relationships with caring adults -- parents, mentors, tutors, or coaches -- offer youth support, care, and guidance.
- Safe Places: Safe places with structured activities during nonschool hours provide both physical and emotional safety for youth.
- A Healthy Start: Adequate nutrition, exercise, and health care pave the way for healthy bodies, healthy minds, and smart habits for adulthood.
- Marketable Skills: Marketable skills through effective education help youth navigate the transition from school to work successfully.
- Opportunities to Serve: Opportunities to give back through community service enhance self-esteem, boost confidence, and heighten a sense of responsibility to the community.
On December 13, 2004, then Governor Vilsack accepted recognition from America's Promise designating Iowa as a State of Promise for children and youth. Consequently, starting in 2005, in collaboration with Iowa's Promise, Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, and the Iowa Collaborative for Youth Development (IOYD), Iowa State University Extension's 4-H Youth Development program began hosting the IASOP program. ISU Extension coordinates the activities of the AmeriCorps members serving in communities across the state.
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