Tucked into the heart of North Del Ray, Liberty’s Promise has shaped the futures of immigrant youth for two decades. From its office on Richmond Highway, the nonprofit has grown to help immigrant youth across Alexandria and the greater DMV pursue their “American Dream.” What began as a small initiative, founded by Executive Director Robert Ponichtera, has now supported more than 8,800 young people and has satellite offices in Baltimore and Montgomery County.

 

Liberty’s Promise serves low-income immigrant youth, ages 11-21, by providing them with civic education, mentorship, and career-building opportunities. Its signature Civics & Citizenship program helps students learn about their community, stay on track in school, and gain the confidence to pursue college and meaningful careers. In Alexandria, the nonprofit reaches about 60 students each year through programs at Francis Hammond Middle School and Alexandria City High School.

 

One of the program’s highlights is its summer internship initiative, which connects local students with businesses and organizations. For the second year in a row, Liberty’s Promise has partnered with Alexandria’s transit company (DASH) to give students firsthand workplace experience and community connection.

 

Melissa Guerrero Gelinas, Director of Northern Virgnia and DC Programs at Liberty’s Promise, explained how the partnership started from student interest: “Then-City Councilwoman Alyia Gaskins spoke to students and asked what they wanted to know about the city. Many asked her about better understanding DASH.” That interest sparked guest speakers at our after-school programs, and eventually the first internships.

 

This summer, three students joined DASH. Kalkidan rotated across all departments as a general intern, John contributed to DASH marketing efforts, and Rodrigo worked in customer service, responding to rider concerns. Experiences like these give students professional skills, while strengthening their ties to the community. 

 

Liberty’s Promise is exploring additional opportunities with local businesses, ensuring more young people can connect their studies to real-world careers, like Rodrigo, John, and Kalkidan were able to at DASH.

 

Want to get involved? Liberty’s Promise regularly posts volunteer opportunities on Volunteer Alexandria. Community members and local employers are also invited to speak with students or host interns. Learn more at libertyspromise.org or by contacting Executive Director Robert Ponichtera (rponichtera@libertyspromise.org) or Director of Northern Virginia and DC Programs Melissa Guerrero Gelinas (mgelinas@libertyspromise.org).