FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jul 13, 2022

Native Nations receive federal grants to support COVID-19 response, economic opportunity, Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous language, among other pressing needs

WASHINGTON, D.C.– AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, awarded 13 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes more than $4.2 million in AmeriCorps State and National federal funding.

These grants will support more than 140 AmeriCorps members and prioritize the investment of national service resources into disaster services like COVID-19 response, economic opportunities, education including traditional knowledge and Indigenous language, civic and social engagement, environmental stewardship, healthy futures and veterans and military families. View a complete list of awards, including organizations and funding totals.

“This investment is one of many critical pieces that honors and strengthens AmeriCorps’ partnerships across Indian Country,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “As we’ve seen over the past two years, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of our country’s challenges, particularly in historically underserved communities. With equity at the heart of our mission, these grants will continue to support Native Nations’ priorities in their communities.”

In addition to the grant funding, AmeriCorps is making available more than $800,000 in education awards for AmeriCorps members. After a full-service term, members receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of approximately $6,500 toward tuition at eligible schools or at specific GI Bill-approved educational programs for veterans or student loan repayment.

AmeriCorps has a long commitment of supporting American Indian and Alaska Native Tribe or Native-led organizations, partnering hand-in-hand to address the critical issues unique to their communities, and leveraging the culture of service that has existed in tribal communities for generations. This investment is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s larger commitment to create lasting change in Indian Country by strengthening tribal communities through education and economic development.

Learn more about these AmeriCorps positions at AmeriCorps.Gov/ASN.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency invests more than $800 million in grants for local nonprofit, community, tribal, and state organizations; places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.