Public Allies Arizona part of $6.6 million AmeriCorps grant expanding paid apprenticeships nationwide
Public Allies, a national nonprofit that develops the next generation of nonprofit and community leaders, announced it has received a grant from AmeriCorps that will fund more than 288 paid apprenticeship opportunities with nonprofit organizations across the country. As a local chapter, Public Allies Arizona will place will place young adults directly into community-based work around Arizona, giving them hands-on experience, a living stipend, and a launching pad into careers rooted in service.
The grant comes at a moment when many young people are struggling to find their footing in a job market that is significantly more challenging than previous ones. The Public Allies apprenticeship program equips its apprentices (“Allies”) with the skills our communities and our nonprofits need most – relationship-building, community leadership, empathy, cultural competence, collaboration, amongst others – which are, notably, skills that technology can't replicate.
“Public Allies apprenticeships serve as a much-needed, alternative pathway to career development, especially for those who don’t have access to higher education and are searching for purpose-driven work,” says Jenise Terrell, CEO of Public Allies. “Public Allies is committed to supporting these often overlooked, emerging leaders with opportunities to serve their communities and build a meaningful career in the public sector.”
With this AmeriCorps grant, Public Allies will:
- Place 288 paid apprentices with nonprofit host organizations in communities across the country
- Provide each apprentice with a living stipend, professional development, and mentorship throughout their term of service
- Offer a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion, which apprentices can apply toward future education or existing student loans
- Connect apprentices to an alumni network of leaders across the social sector, many of whom go on to long-term careers in nonprofit and public service
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