Community Updates

Randall L. Stephenson to Receive “Promise of America” Award

Washington, D.C. (April 9, 2015) – America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest partnership dedicated to improving the lives of young people, is pleased to announce that it will honor AT&T Inc. Chairman & CEO Randall Stephenson with a “Promise of America” Award at its “Promise Night” gala on April 15th. The event, to be held at the historic Howard Theater in Washington, D.C., will recognize the efforts of five individuals who have made an exceptional difference in the lives of America’s youth.

Published 9 years ago | About a 3 minute read

Washington, D.C. (April 9, 2015) – America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest partnership dedicated to improving the lives of young people, is pleased to announce that it will honor AT&T Inc. Chairman & CEO Randall Stephenson with a “Promise of America” Award at its “Promise Night” gala on April 15th. The event, to be held at the historic Howard Theater in Washington, D.C., will recognize the efforts of five individuals who have made an exceptional difference in the lives of America’s youth.

As America’s Promise approaches its 20th anniversary in 2017, “Promise Night” will echo its legacy – the belief that every child should have the opportunity and support to pursue his or her American Dream.

“AT&T has been a leader in supporting educational initiatives that have had a positive impact on students from all walks of life and in every corner of America,” said America’s Promise board chair Alma J. Powell and President & CEO John Gomperts, in a joint statement. “We are delighted to recognize Randall and AT&T for philanthropic investments that have helped young people thrive.”

In addition to leading its business initiatives, Mr. Stephenson was instrumental in the 2008 launch of AT&T Aspire, the company’s commitment to prepare students for success in school and 21st century careers. With a financial commitment of more than $350 million, AT&T Aspire marks the largest education initiative in the company's history.

The “Promise of America” Awards honor champions who have answered the call of every American president for the last forty years to fulfill the “Five Promises” for children and youth in their communities and in our nation: Caring Adults, Safe Places, a Healthy Start, an Effective Education and Opportunities to Give Back. The award is the highest honor conferred by America’s Promise Alliance.

The other 2015 award recipients include Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, BridgeEDU founder Wes Moore and AnBryce Foundation founders Beatrice & Anthony Welters. Local NBC TV personality, Barbara Harrison, will host.

Learn more about the “Promise Night” gala at: http://www.americaspromise.org/promise-night-gala.

About America’s Promise Alliance

Founded in 1997 at the Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future, America’s Promise leads an alliance of organizations, communities and individuals dedicated to fulfilling the presidential declaration signed on that day calling upon the nation to keep five crucial promises to every young person in America: the presence of caring adults in their lives; safe surroundings to live, learn and grown; healthy starts and healthy childhoods; an effective education that builds marketable skills; and opportunities to serve others. As its signature effort, the GradNation campaign mobilizes Americans to increase the on-time high school graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020 and prepare young people for postsecondary enrollment and the 21st century workforce. For more information, visit AmericasPromise.org.