Promise Zone

St. Louis Named Promise Zone

A zip code should never limit the opportunities and hopes parents have for their children. This was Secretary Julián Castro’s opening statement when he visited the Metropolitan Education and Training Center.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary was in St. Louis to announce the U.S. Promise Zone designation. It’s not every day we receive recognition by the White House, but thankfully this is one of those days.

HUD Secretary Julián Castro

HUD Secretary Julián Castro announces a $5 million demonstration grant in addition to naming St. Louis a U.S. Promise Zone. Also pictured: Steve Stenger, Lacy Clay, Jay Nixon, Francis Slay, Rodney Crim

 

As one of only six urban winners from more than 120 national contenders, the designation is a big deal. It means preferential access to federal agencies and programs, and new resources to improve job training, education, healthcare, law enforcement and crime prevention with the ultimate goal of transforming the most distressed areas of North St. Louis City and County.

The Promise Zone can be a catalyst for real change in St. Louis. I believe it will cultivate collaboration, opportunity, growth and a better quality of life for our family, friends, colleagues and neighbors.

Read the news release.