FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mar 16, 2023

Michael D. Smith joined AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving in Provo and Salt Lake City, Utah

WASHINGTON, DC— Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO, visited Utah to meet with AmeriCorps members, learn more about members supporting refugee resettlement and visit with AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving in the Foster Grandparent Program. The trip comes during AmeriCorps Week, a weeklong celebration of national service led by the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. 

On Tuesday, March 14, Smith traveled to Provo, Utah to participate in the state’s annual symposium for AmeriCorps members, hosted by UServeUtah, the state service commission. Smith kicked off the symposium by leading members in the AmeriCorps pledge. Smith then visited Utah County’s Senior Companion Program where he presented the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award to four local AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who have served thousands of hours individually with the Utah County Health Department. The Utah County Government Senior Companion Program engages volunteers who provide respite, companionship and transportation in Utah and Wasatch County to help older Americans remain independent and in their homes. 

On Wednesday, March 15, Smith traveled to Salt Lake City to visit Olene Walker elementary school where he learned more about its Student Success Program and Utah STEM Initiative. The Student Success Program advocates for and supports students who need additional support with literacy, attendance and academics. Utah STEM Initiative engages youth from historically underserved communities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Smith then toured Utah Refugee Services Office where AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program address identified gaps in services and create sustainable programs that help move refugee communities toward the resources and education they need, in turn assisting refuges to move beyond poverty. 

In Utah, more than 3,800 Americans participated in national service last year to help communities meet local needs and expand opportunity at more than 600 locations. In 2022, AmeriCorps invested more than $14.6 million in federal funding to support cost-effective community solutions, working with local partners to empower individuals to help communities tackle their toughest challenges.

Follow AmeriCorps on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for additional highlights from Smith’s trip during AmeriCorps Week.

Celebrating AmeriCorps Week 2023 in Utah
Celebrating AmeriCorps Week 2023 in Utah
Celebrating AmeriCorps Week 2023 in Utah

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, 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 places more than 200,000 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. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

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.