FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jun 30, 2022

NCCC teams spent one year aiding nation’s COVID-19 response, addressing food security and renovating schools

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.– On Thursday, June 30, more than 200 AmeriCorps members completed their year of hands-on service through AmeriCorps NCCC, a full-time service program that allows young adults to make an impact in communities across the country while gaining valuable leadership skills. Members served in nine states and responded to the needs of local communities by assisting with disaster recovery and response, building affordable housing, environmental stewardship, economic development, and more. 

Together, the graduating NCCC class completed more than 130,000 service hours and supported food security, disaster response and climate conservation, among other focus areas. Their achievements include collecting more than 860,000 pounds of food, assisting communities with more than $6 million in tax returns and renovating nearly 50,000 square feet of school rooms.

AmeriCorps celebrated the achievements of class 28A in a graduation ceremony at the AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region campus in McClellan Park, Calif. AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith, Rep. Ami Bera, Rep. Doris Matsui, Bureau of Land Management Branch Chief Karen Montgomery, and AmeriCorps NCCC Director Ken Goodson gave remarks about the dedication and impact each member displayed during their service year.

“These AmeriCorps members represent the best of our nation, and I am honored to help celebrate the accomplishments of their AmeriCorps journey today,” said Smith. “They are joining a network of more than 1 million Americans who have taken the same oath to get things done. I also want to thank the California Bureau of Land Management for making national service a top priority across the state and supporting our NCCC teams.”

 “Our future is bright because of dedicated and service minded individuals like this class of AmeriCorps NCCC members,” said Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-07). “The nation’s most urgent needs and challenges require individuals who selflessly commit their time and energy to serving others. AmeriCorps members continue to change countless lives and help make the world a better and more hopeful place.”

“This class of AmeriCorps NCCC members have been a voice of support and a network of kindness, hope, and strength for those who needed it the most in California and across the country,” said Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-06). “From assisting with disaster recovery to building affordable housing to environmental stewardship, this class has made a difference up and down our state. I am proud of this class for all the truly special work that they have done for our communities — and I know America’s future is in good hands. I cannot wait to see what these AmeriCorps members do next, and the meaningful impact they will continue to make in people’s lives.”

During the graduation ceremony, Smith and Montgomery also renewed the Memorandum of Understanding between AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region and the California Bureau of Land Management. Originally signed in October 2014, this agreement created an NCCC team to develop and strengthen environmental conservation, wildlife management and ecological preservation on public land. This agreement will continue to support most field offices in the state with essential fuel mitigation, fire restoration, increased public land access and protection of important native species.

NCCC is a fully residential, team-based AmeriCorps program which provides opportunities for young Americans between the ages of 18 and 26 to address pressing national and community needs through 10-12 months of full-time, intensive national service. More than 2,200 AmeriCorps members serve in the AmeriCorps NCCC Traditional and FEMA Corps programs each year across all 50 states and territories. 

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