MAITLAND, Fla. — After ten months of training, 12 Central Florida young professionals have now graduated from the Public Allies Program. The initiative offers a unique opportunity for students of all backgrounds to make an impact in their community while also learning a profession.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
With claps and cheers, one by one, the 12 graduates stepped onto the stage. Each one of them spent 1,700 hours working in non-profits and public sector organizations across Central Florida with one goal – to make a difference in their communities. “This program is really intentional about recruiting individuals who are really underrepresented in leadership positions,” said Prita Chhabra with Public Allies Central Florida. “I’m just really proud of their ability to be so resilient.”
From fighting homelessness to making healthcare more accessible in low-income communities, the program is powered by the AmeriCorps network in partnership with Rise Community Solutions. “It was just amazing for me to just get out of my situation while also helping others get out of their situation as well,” said Ayonte Pugh, a 2024 Public Allies Graduate who went from being homeless to becoming a community leader. “A lot of troubled kids are misunderstood. Because they’re homeless, houseless, you never know what’s going on behind the exterior.”
Read: Man dies after reaching for gun in front of Orange County deputies, sheriff says
The Public Allies Central Florida offers free healthcare, Subsidized Childcare, $ 2,626.50 monthly pay, and $7,395 in student loan credit. For many, the initiative is a chance to discover a new career. “As a result of being in Public Allies, I’m now on the board of two nonprofits trying to help strengthen our communities through those organizations,” said Sheila Grant, a 2023 Public Allies graduate. “I have my bookkeeping business, and I work with autistic children in the public school system.”
Right now, Public Allies Central Florida is accepting applications for the class of 2024/2025 until August 1st, with about 25 positions available. To apply, click here.
Read: Sheriff: Girl, 13, was stabbed to death by stranger while walking to friend’s house
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2024 Cox Media Group
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/RGY55INAPLRUJF7RY4K5QGHD2I.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/PION6MDYVFEX7OFFDC6PBXRHMY.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/BZU3WRQVA5CSROSGRI5S26L35M.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/AJF77SRUDVDVNJIZ76CVWEHRRU.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/VBWL35XX6VE6RHAEBMTE2UKCCY.jpeg)