[2] Public Allies was founded in 1992 by Vanessa Kirsch and Katrina Browne, college graduates who wanted to challenge the notion that their generation was apathetic and uncaring.
[5] In 1994, Public Allies, along with Habitat for Humanity and YouthBuild, were among the first recipients of AmeriCorps grants, which allowed for expansion to Delaware, Milwaukee, and North Carolina.
In 1995, Public Allies opened a site Silicon Valley and San Francisco, followed by Cincinnati (1998), New York and Los Angeles (1999), and Eagle Rock, Colorado (2002).
Additional sites include Connecticut (2004); Arizona and Pittsburgh (2006); Miami, New Mexico, and San Antonio (2007); Indianapolis and Maryland (2009); Central Florida and the Twin Cities (2010); and Detroit and Iowa (2013).
[citation needed] Public Allies has employed three main strategies to deliver its mission: 1) Paid apprenticeship and leadership program in partnership with AmeriCorps, 2) Alumni engagement, and 3) Advocacy.
[citation needed] Public Allies combines a 10-month nonprofit apprenticeship program with a community-centered, values-based approach to foster leadership development.
Summit attendees included 30 African American male program graduates, who advised White House officials on the Administration's "My Brother's Keeper" initiative.