Alamo Colleges District’s Public Allies San Antonio Receives AmeriCorps Funding for 27 Paid Apprenticeships

Applications are open for emerging leaders and nonprofit host organizations

The Alamo Colleges District’s Public Allies San Antonio program has received AmeriCorps funding to support 27 paid apprenticeships with nonprofit and community-based organizations across San Antonio.

The funding is part of a national AmeriCorps grant supporting more than 288 Public Allies apprenticeships nationwide. Locally, the investment will help prepare emerging leaders for careers in nonprofit, public service, and community-focused organizations while strengthening the agencies serving San Antonio and Bexar County.

Public Allies San Antonio is an AmeriCorps program operated locally through the Alamo Colleges District. For nearly 20 years, the program has connected participants, known as Allies, with nonprofit organizations and public agencies that address community needs in education, youth development, health care, and other areas.

Leadership Through Service

Public Allies San Antonio offers a paid, approximately 10-month apprenticeship. AmeriCorps members are paired with nonprofit organizations and community programs, where they support projects such as youth programming, community outreach, partnership development, event coordination and direct service.

Partner organizations have included Girls Inc. of San Antonio, Family Service, Corazon Ministries, WestCare Texas, and the Alamo Colleges District programs and education and training centers. Allies participate in professional development, mentorship, coaching, team service days and a peer cohort experience designed to strengthen skills in communication, collaboration, project management and community leadership.

Malaisa Jade Garza, a first-year apprentice serving as a Youth Leadership Program Ally at Girls Inc. of San Antonio, said the program has helped her strengthen her communication, project management and leadership skills through hands-on community work.

“Public Allies has helped me become a more confident, resourceful and self-aware leader,” Garza said. “I have learned that leadership is not defined by a title, but by a willingness to serve, collaborate and uplift others. I will carry those lessons with me as I continue working to create positive change in my community.”

Public Allies San Antonio members during a team service-learning day at the San Antonio Food Bank warehouse.  Photographed left to right: Fernanda Velasquez, Jazmin Escalera, Lucrecia Cisneros (Staff), Jaylin Rice, Malaisa Garza, Jessica Route, Lisa Chavez.

The 2025–2026 cohort will complete its service in the coming weeks. Throughout the year, members have participated in leadership workshops, team-building activities, service-learning days and Team Service Project planning, including an annual Mid-Year Retreat.

Applications Now Open

Public Allies San Antonio is accepting applications from prospective AmeriCorps members and nonprofit organizations interested in hosting an Ally for the upcoming program year. Approximately 20 to 27 placements are expected to be available. The priority application deadline is August 31, 2026.

With this AmeriCorps grant, Public Allies San Antonio will:

• 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.

Applicants do not have to be current Alamo Colleges District students. Eligible community members, current students and alumni interested in leadership development and community service are encouraged to apply. To learn more or apply, visit publicallies.org/sanantonio.