Jay Rockefeller: “last Friday the children in my State of West Virginia had reason to celebrate. I am delighted to announce that the…”

“last Friday the children in my State of West Virginia had reason to celebrate. I am delighted to announce that the Communities in Schools Program and America's Promise have joined to form a new partnership aimed at giving our children resources that help them to stay in school and be successful in life. This exciting new program, launched on January 31, 2002, is called the Alliance for Youth. Bill Milliken, Communities in Schools CEO and West Virginia Governor Bob Wise joined together last week to signal the start of a major initiative to help students. The Alliance for Youth combines the missions of education and community service with the goal of making each more accessible to students in West Virginia. Through the Alliance, children can connect with concerned adults and have a safe place where they can develop useful life skills, have a wholesome start in life, and have the opportunity to become involved in their communities. As a former VISTA worker, I personally know how public service can change and improve someone's life. Providing more opportunities for public service will help both the communities served and the students involved. By helping to shape the lives of our children, the Alliance for Youth Program is making the most important investment in our future.”