Partner Program Awarded $25 Million Grant

A program with which Georgetown has partnered to prepare underprivileged children for college and enrich communities has received a $25 million grant from the Department of Education.

D.C.’s Promise Neighborhood Initiative, which is located in the Parkside-Kenilworth area of Ward 7, was presented with the five-year monetary award today.

Modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York, DCPNI employs a Five Promises for Two Generations model that focuses on development from early childhood to adulthood to ensure that children have a bright future.

The initiative began in 2008 as a steering committee to investigate why incoming middle and high school students were unprepared for their studies, according to their website.

In 2010, DCPNI received a Department of Education planning grant and established connections with partners such as the university.

Currently, Senior Counselor to the President Jane Genster serves on the inaugural board.

The university began its own Ward 7 initiative in 2007 and supports DCPNI through programs such as the Institute for College Prep, DC Reads, Kids 2 College and other participation from Georgetown faculty and students.

President John DeGioia said in a statement that the university is grateful to be involved in the initiative.

“It is an honor for our Georgetown community to be among the esteemed group of partners working together through DCPNI to improve outcomes, more deeply support our community, and enhance opportunities for young people across our city,” President John DeGioia said. “Georgetown is proud to be a part of the DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative and we look forward to deepening our work and engagement.”