Saying that children’s course in life should be determined by their work ethic and not their zip code, President Barack Obama announced five “Promise Zones” Thursday in an effort to partner with local leaders to create jobs, improve educational opportunities and jumpstart the economy in struggling areas.

“There are communities where for too many young people, it feels like their future only extends to the next street corner or the outskirts of town — too many communities where no matter how hard you work, your destiny … feels like it’s already been determined for you before you took that first step,” Mr. Obama said.

The first five areas that will receive access to grants and technical assistance from the federal government are San Antonio, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, southeastern Kentucky and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Ultimately, the White House plans to designate 20 Promise Zones during the next three years.

The initiative spurred a rare show of bipartisan support, as two vocal critics of the president, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Rand Paul, attended today’s event. In his remarks, Mr. Obama praised the senators from Kentucky, saying he was happy to see Republicans at the White House.