The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a full-time, team-based program that works to meet various community needs across the country. NCCC teams of 8–12 members and leaders begin their service at one of NCCC’s four regional campuses in Vinton, IA; Sacramento, CA; Vicksburg, MS; or Aurora, CO. At the regional campuses, all program members participate in teambased trainings at the start of the 10-month service term. Team leaders complete additional leadership training at that time. Following this initial skill-building, teams move on to work on at least four different projects with sponsor organizations in various locations. During each project, program members live in the communities they serve. During service, NCCC members receive basic expenses, such as communal housing, meals, and a limited health benefit. NCCC members also receive all program-related travel expenses; a modest living allowance; training in leadership, technical skills, teamwork, and more; and forbearance on federally backed student loans, where members are eligible to have the interest incurred during service paid in full.1 After service, NCCC members also receive over $7,000 to use on future educational expenses or to pay back qualified student loans.
The work that NCCC teams do varies by project and sponsor site. This analysis focuses on the home weatherization efforts of NCCC AmeriCorps members. Weatherization increases the energy efficiency of homes, producing environmental, economic, and health benefits for households and society. NCCC weatherization activities vary by project but have included installing energy efficiency devices, retrofitting for energy efficient lighting, applying rigid insulation and sheetrock to basement walls, putting flashing around chimneys to block air flow, installing gaskets on exterior doors, measuring and installing interior storm windows, insulating pipes, covering soffits, air sealing with foam, and insulating attics with cellulose insulation. While the mix and scale of these measures vary by project, weatherization efforts generally decrease energy consumption, leading to energy cost savings. Weatherization can also produce health benefits as homes are sealed against outdoor air pollutants.
Key Findings
- The program produces strong returns for the medium- and long-term scenarios for the total benefits per federal dollar.
Return on Investment (ROI) Studies
AmeriCorps and its grantees have invested significant resources in evaluating different agency programs and supported program models designed to improve a range of outcomes for national service members and volunteers, children, families, organizations, and communities across America. AmeriCorps has commissioned ICF International to conduct ROI analyses to help measure the program performance and build the base of evidence for future resource allocation decisions. In addition, each ROI study helps AmeriCorps communicate the value of its programs to relevant stakeholders. The ROI Studies Project will produce 26 ROI assessments.
Full report
Further information
AmeriCorps Office of Research and Evaluation Commissioned Study