This request builds on our grant in 2020 to support an inaugural cohort of Public Allies focused on water stewardship.  Through its partnership with AmeriCorps, Public Allies recruits young leaders from under-represented backgrounds and helps them reach their potential through paid, on-the-job experience with a non-profit organization or government agency.   For ten months, 45 Allies work full-time (M-Th) for a nonprofit organization or agency where they learn about and gain experience in public service careers. In addition, they participate in a weekly full-day professional development series each Friday. Based on the success of the first two years of the program, Public Allies will place at least eight allies at our partner organizations. The allies will work on water stewardship projects at their host organizations while learning about environmental careers in the Milwaukee area. Four of the 11 allies we supported in 2020-2021 have secured permanent employment with their host organizations.