USDA AND AMERICA'S PROMISE TO WORK TOGETHER TO HELP KIDS
 
                                            Release No. 0114.00
                                                               
                     Media Contact: Susan McAvoy (202) 720-4623
                                         susan.mcavoy@usda.gov 
                     Public Contact: Marti Asner (202) 720-8188
                                             masner@reeusda.gov


USDA AND AMERICA'S PROMISE TO WORK TOGETHER TO HELP KIDS
 
           CHEVY CHASE,  April 10, 2000- Deputy Agriculture Secretary Richard
Rominger and  General Colin Powell (U.S. Army, retired), Director of America's
Promise - The Alliance for Youth, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding
to promote career guidance and community service programs that help youth
realize their full potential through both 4-H clubs and America's Promise.
 
  "This collaboration underscores USDA's commitment to pursue links with
other successful youth-oriented programs," said Rominger.  "USDA's highly
trained professionals in each state and territory are perfectly poised to pool
resources with America's Promise to benefit youth across the country."
  
  Under the terms of the MOU, USDA's Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service will encourage 4-H club members to work with
adults and other organizations in their community to start a Community of
Promise which provides mentors for youth, safe places and structured
activities during non-school hours, a healthy diet, marketable skills, and an
opportunity to give back through community service.
  
  In return, America's Promise will provide information to the 4-H system
about existing Communities of Promise and encourage the Communities of Promise
to engage and assist local 4-H clubs.

  Rominger and Powell signed the MOU at the 70th National 4-H Conference
at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase. 
 
  America's Promise works to marshal the nation's energy and resources -
both public and private - behind proven youth development programs and
organizations.  The mission of 4-H programs is to help youth become self-
directing, productive, and contributing members of society.  In 1999, more
than 6 million young people participated in 4-H programs.    
 
  "It's partnerships like these that are key to creating livable
communities," said Rominger.
"This Administration is committed to improving the quality of life for
Americans in urban, suburban and rural areas for today's youth and future
generations."

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