Just like generations past, America's young people have big dreams and aspirations, and their local communities can play a big role in helping them fulfill their full potential. Yet, for many, the American dream is out of reach.

For a young person just starting off in the working world, whether it¹s over the summer or if they are no longer in school, the prospect of finding a job with a blank resume, limited education, and no meaningful connections to employers can be daunting. This process is tough for college students and even harder for the one in seven young Americans between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not in school and don't have a job.

As a result, President Obama is calling on businesses, non-profits, and community leaders to take action to give young Americans a better shot as a part of his Summer Opportunity Project. These leaders can step up by providing summer jobs, training and mentoring to young people who are not in school or working. And they can support programs over the summer that keep young people engaged in learning, healthy and safe.

You can help out your community by providing a summer opportunity  for a young person that gives them the confidence they need to believe that more is possible.

Add your name below to learn more about creating summer opportunities and commit to hiring a young person to help put them on a path to success:

Note: Your information may be shared with agencies and nongovernmental organizations working on summer opportunity projects.

Studies estimate that one in five women is sexually assaulted while in college. Most often, the act occurs in her freshman or sophomore year, usually by someone she knows. And only 13 percent of rape survivors report their assault. The culture of violence and silence at our college campuses contradicts everything we stand for as a country.

In launching "It’s On Us" last Friday, President Obama said, “To the survivors who are leading the fight against sexual assault on campuses, your efforts have helped start a movement.  I can only imagine how long and lonely your fight must feel.  And that’s why we’re all here today -- to say that it’s not on you; it’s not your fight to wage alone; it’s on us -- all of us -- to fight campus sexual assault.  You are not alone. We’ve got your back.”  And as a groundswell of interest and momentum that we’ve seen in just the initial first days of launching this campaign, it’s clear that Americans across the country really do have their back.

As of Friday, the National Campus Leadership Council had worked to sign up 203 campuses to run student-led "It’s On Us" campaigns. In just four days, that number has jumped to 233 campuses nationwide. The PSA that launched on Friday already has more than 3 million views on YouTube and Facebook. Celebrities and athletes like Kerry Washington, Alex Morgan, Kevin Love, Joel McHale, and many others tweeted to more than 33 million followers on Twitter and reached millions more through Facebook and Instagram. 

"It’s On Us" provides organizing tools for campuses and communities, and already we’ve seen great things happening. Stanford and George Washington created their own PSAs featuring campus leaders, and Michigan State played the PSA to tens of thousands of Spartans fans at their football game Saturday. And earlier today, Valerie Jarrett, the Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls and Tina Tchen, the Executive Director of the Council on Women and Girls, met with student leaders from colleges and universities in New York City to discuss “It’s On Us” and efforts already underway on their campuses to spread this message far and wide.

This is just the beginning. There are years of work left to win this fight and millions more that need to sign the pledge to be a part of the solution. In the end, this problem will not be solved until our society creates a culture where everyone works to build an environment in which sexual assault is a thing of the past. 

It’s on us to realize we all have a role to play in preventing sexual assault. It’s on us to embrace the responsibility we have to stand up for the safety of those around us—to challenge each other to do everything we can to make our college campuses safe.

If you haven’t already, join the movement, spread the word, and take the pledge at ItsOnUs.org.

It’s on us. All of us.

And check out what folks are saying about the launch of "It’s On Us":

Sen. Blumenthal: “I was thrilled and inspired to be with both the President and Vice President as they powerfully opened this new initiative in the campaign against sexual assault and domestic violence. They were emphatic and eloquent in committing federal power and resources to address the scourge of sexual assault on college campuses. Fighting sexual assault shouldn't be only on survivors. It’s on all of us – all of our obligation.” “At my college roundtables across Connecticut, I have heard from students, staff, advocates and law enforcement that awareness and intervention are critical to preventing sexual assault. The Administration’s ‘It’s On Us’ campaign engages the campus community and empowers all students – especially young men – to play a role in preventing sexual assault. This approach works. At places like Connecticut College, students, administrators and student-athletes have implemented the Green Dot program to shift awareness and create a culture that rejects sexual assault. In many Connecticut campuses, significant progress is being made, but we have a long way to go – in our state and nationally – to change campus culture and broader views on sexual assault. ‘It’s On Us’ will jumpstart that conversation.”[Senator Blumenthal Press Release, 9/19/14]

Sen. McCaskill: “I’m grateful the White House is continuing to direct much-needed attention to the issue of sexual violence on our college campuses.” “If we’re going to turn the tide against such violence, we need the type of cultural shift that the ‘It’s On Us’ campaign aims to bring about. But change doesn’t happen quickly, which is why we need to pass our bipartisan legislation that will help curb these crimes, protect and empower students, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.” [KSPR 33, 9/19/14]

Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade: “It is appropriate for the Atlantic 10 to be at the forefront in addressing and combating this issue, which undermines the fundamental goal of ensuring the safety of all students, including student-athletes.” “Intercollegiate athletics programs have unique positioning within the campus environment, which provides the opportunity to influence the issue of sexual assault not only within the athletics community, but within the broader student community as well. The A-10 is proud to join this coalition and offer our resources and assets to spread the word and raise awareness of this issue.” [Atlantic 10 Press Release, 9/19/2014]

National Campus Leadership Council Executive Director Andy MacCracken: "Student body presidents and their teams from around the country are coming together to say it’s on all of us to stop sexual assault.” “We’re talking about a seismic shift in how communities deal with sexual violence as the country looks to students for leadership on such an important issue." [InTheCapital, 9/19/2014]

NCAA Statement: “NCAA, White House partner to combat sexual violence on campus” “The NCAA is an Advisory Board sponsor for the campaign. In this role, in addition to promoting It’s On Us and encouraging its 1,100 member schools to join the effort, the Association will include a half-day educational session for its member schools at its annual Convention in January in Washington, D.C. Additionally, it’s On Us public service announcements will be broadcast to college sports fans attending NCAA championship events. For the NCAA, taking part in It’s On Us is the latest step in seeking solutions to this issue. In August the NCAA Executive Committee – the Association’s highest governance body, composed of university presidents from Division I, Division II and Division II – passed a resolution encouraging athletics departments to actively partner with the rest of campus to combat sexual violence.” [NCAA Press Release, 9/19/2014]

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott: “The Pac-12 is proud to join this effort to build a culture on college campuses in which everyone has a responsibility to stop sexual violence.” “Our member institutions are very focused on this issue and we see a great opportunity to use the visibility of college athletics as a means to raise awareness and promote this campaign.” [Pac-12 Press Release, 9/19/14]

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network President and Founder Scott Berkowitz: "One of the most effective ways to prevent rape is to mobilize men and women on campus to join together in stopping perpetrators before they can commit a crime. RAINN has joined the It's On Us campaign as a partner to help bring attention to the important role that students play in keeping their friends safe and in preventing rape on campus.” “President Obama today launched It’s On Us, a campaign to reduce rape on college campuses. The president, along with Vice President Joseph Biden, called on students to sign a pledge to commit to helping keep their friends safe. To survivors of campus sexual assault, President Obama said, “It’s not on you; this is not your fight alone. This is on all of us, every one one of us, to fight campus sexual assault. You are not alone, and we have your back.” [RAINN Press Release, 9/19/14]

SB Nation Statement: “SB Nation and Vox Media are partnering with Generation Progress to support the "It's On Us" campaign.” "It's On Us" is a movement aimed at changing the way we think about sexual assault. The campaign, in coordination with the White House, is encouraging everyone to step up and realize that the solution begins with us. It's the acknowledgement that sexual assault isn't just an issue involving a victim and a perpetrator, but one that involves us all. It means taking responsibility for ourselves and each other. Speaking up when someone needs help. Looking out for someone who can't consent.” [SB Nation Press Release, 9/19/14]

The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence President Monika Johnson Hostler: “Although rapists are ultimately responsible for sexual assault and must be held accountable there is a place for all of us to take collective responsibility for ending this violence. ‘It’s On Us’ is a proactive approach to engage each and every one of us in taking steps both big and small to make college campuses safer and more responsive to survivors.” “The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence supports the ongoing efforts of President Obama and Vice-President Biden to combat sexual assault on college campuses. The “It’s On Us” Awareness Campaign is a great launching pad to further efforts to address this pervasive problem across the country. “It’s On Us” was developed to “create positive social pressure increasing awareness, participation, and influence” toward ending sexual assault at our colleges and universities.” [The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence Press Release, 9/19/14]  

The George Washington University Director of Athletics and Recreation Patrick Nero: "The statistics are shockingly clear. Sexual assault is occurring at an alarming rate on college campuses across our country."  "It is time to shine a strong light on this issue and to all work together to put an end to it. Our students and student-athletes can play a role in encouraging dialogue and action on this issue. We see this as an opportunity for them to take the lead on an issue so critical in our society." [GWU Athletics Press Release, 9/19/14]

Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon: “Sexual violence is not met with indifference on our campus; that goes against everything Michigan State University stands for. This is our challenge and a problem that requires our intervention — every single one of us in this community. We cannot be passive observers.” “The campaign, which the White House is rolling out and communicating directly to student groups on MSU’s campus, will focus on bystander intervention, particularly among men. “It's On Us” will use social media and partnerships with colleges and private partners nationwide to attempt to create a culture where sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.” [Michigan State University Press Release, 9/19/14]

Rutgers University Director of Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance RuthAnn Koenick: “I certainly am in support of men being in support of a sexual prevention movement.” "I think that men speak to other men in a way that’s very different than I can speak to them.  Anything that gets people talking about sexual assault and taking a sense of community responsibility... is positive.” [International Business Times, 9/19/14]

Stanford University Provost John Etchemendy: At Stanford, we believe all students should be able to study and live in an atmosphere free of harassment, sexual violence and gender discrimination." "No one – man or woman – should ever feel intimidated or threatened on the Stanford campus, or fear that they will be victimized on the basis of sex or gender. Everyone should feel confident that others would stand up and support them if they were victimized. And I want you to know that if sexual violence of any type is reported on this campus, we investigate to the best of our ability and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. Everyone on this campus has a right to feel safe.” [Stanford University Press Release, 9/18/2014]

The University of Dayton Sexual Violence Prevention Education Coordinator Kristen Altenau Keen: "The University of Dayton takes sexual violence prevention education seriously. We have our incoming students participate in the Haven program because we feel it's important to emphasize sexual violence prevention before they even set foot on campus.” "We want our students to be prepared to have conversations about sexual violence prevention when they arrive on campus and be equipped with the skills to recognize when bystander intervention is needed. At the University of Dayton, community is central to our mission. We want everyone on campus to understand we need their help in this effort." [EverFi Press Release, 9/19/14]

To kick off the event, a very special guest dropped by to speak to the Youth Summit: President Obama -- who let young Americans know he needed their help.

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the White House Youth Summit on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building South Court Auditorium, Dec. 4, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

So I'm going to need you all to spread the word about how the Affordable Care Act really works, what its benefits are, what its protections are and, most importantly, how people can sign up. I know people call this law Obamacare. And that's okay -- because I do care. I care about you. I care about families. I care about Americans.

But no matter how much I care, the truth is, is that for your friends and your family, the most important source of information is not going to be me, it's going to be you.  They are going to trust you.  If you're taking them on a website, walking them through it saying, look at the price you're able to get, look at the benefits you're able to get.  That's what's going to be making a difference. 

The President also encouraged attendees to keep their friends and family updated on all of the exciting things happening at the Youth Summit, saying "Post something on your Facebook or Instagram. You can tweet using the hashtag #getcovered. But do whatever it takes to make sure people have the information they need to make the decision that's right for them."

Here are some of our favorites:

#GetCovered because you can afford to and you can't afford not to. #WHYouthSummit @NikkiAllen32 pic.twitter.com/O1owp9yRB1

— Kellan White (@KellanWhite) December 4, 2013

Why #GetCovered? Because it saves lives! #WHYouthSummit #AtTheWH pic.twitter.com/kAHFtRx53f

— Clark Lee (@clarklee) December 4, 2013

Check out the President's full remarks, or read them here.

Watch on YouTube

The White House met with leaders from a variety of ethnic communities to discuss the way forward on immigration reform August 11, 2011. (by Tom Miller)

Immigration is at the beginning of every American story.  Since this country’s founding, immigrants and the children of immigrants have built America’s cities, fought in our wars, and helped to author our history. The issue of immigration reform, then, is one whose importance extends beyond the boundaries of any single demographic. Last week, leaders from a variety of ethnic communities – from Irish, to Polish, to Macedonian and many others - met at the White House to discuss the way forward on immigration reform.

It was a spirited discussion featuring representatives from communities that do not necessarily share common domestic or foreign policy goals. What they do share – and what came through at the meeting – was their deep pride for their immigrant heritage and the agreement that their voice is critical to the debate on fixing our broken immigration system. White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley stopped by to reiterate the President’s commitment to addressing this issue, and to listen to ideas about how the Administration and the country can make progress.

President Obama is determined to create an immigration system that makes sense and meets the needs of America’s 21^st century economy. He will continue to fulfill the federal government’s responsibility to secure our borders while strengthening our economic competitiveness by creating a legal immigration system that reflects our values and diverse needs. The Administration has also taken important steps to improve our immigration system within the boundaries of existing laws, dedicating unprecedented resources to border security and making interior and worksite enforcement smarter and more effective.

The people around the table at last week's meeting shared a wide range of ideas, and they didn’t always agree on everything. What they did agree on, though, was that the first step in addressing this issue effectively must be to mobilize Americans in cities all across the country and ensure that the debate has a diverse array of voices calling for immigration reform.  They committed to joining other Americans to dedicating their voices to the debate and will host several immigration roundtables across the country in the coming months. 

 You can learn more about this important issue, by reading the President’s Blueprint for Building a 21^st Century Immigration System or by visiting obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/immigration.  Make your voice a part of the debate by visiting obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/immigrationaction to see how you can host a conversation in your own community. 

Kyle Lierman is the White House Liaison to Ethnic Americans.

Today President Obama welcomed the WNBA Champion Seattle Storm to the White House. He congratulated the team on its 2010 season and its championship title. The President took the opportunity to pay tribute to the WNBA, which in just fifteen years has become the most successful women’s professional sports league in the world. He also observed that the Storm’s championship was a historic victory: “Three years ago, when this team’s future in Seattle was uncertain, four season ticket holders joined forces to become co-owners. Now they’re also the first all-female ownership group in American history to win a championship.”

In addition to winning basketball games, the Storm is active in a wide variety of service projects. These include promoting childhood literacy, as well as encouraging local organizations to work toward reducing their environmental footprint. During the Storm’s visit to DC, the team held a clinic for young people on the White House basketball court. As the President said today, “the Storm family understands that being a champion doesn’t stop when you step off the court.”

President Barack Obama shows the championship ring he received as a gift with Seattle Storm’s Sue Bird, left, and Swin Cash, right, during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House to honor the team’s 2010 championship season, June 29, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

Kyle Lierman is White House Liaison to the Sports Community.

President Barack Obama welcomes the Major League Soccer champion Colorado Rapids to honor their 2010 season and the MLS Cup victory during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, June 27, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Today President Obama welcomed the Major League Soccer champion Colorado Rapids to the White House. He congratulated the team on its 2010 season and its MLS Cup victory.  This visit continued the tradition, begun by President Obama, of honoring sports teams not just for winning championships but for giving back to their communities. In addition to winning soccer games, the Rapids are active in a wide variety of service projects. These include encouraging kids to do well in school, as well as promoting good nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Following the ceremony, the Colorado Rapids held a soccer clinic for children of military families on the South Lawn.

Watch the video from the event below:

End note: During the clinic with military kids, some of the Rapids players thanked our facebook and twitter fans for giving back

Kyle Lierman is the White House Liaison to the Sports Community.