FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb 23, 2023

The funding will support new AmeriCorps members serving in the AmeriCorps VISTA program and add capacity for organizations addressing poverty and related challenges.

Washington, DC – AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, today announces more than $15 million in federal funding to support new projects in the VISTA program across more than 34 states and territories. The investment will support more than 1,000 new AmeriCorps members who will expand capacity in organizations that alleviate poverty and build economic opportunity through community-driven efforts across the country.

AmeriCorps members will help organizations advance projects that support student success, reduce homelessness, address food security, expand job opportunities, improve health services, expand access to technology and increase economic opportunities for families with low income across the country. See the full list of AmeriCorps VISTA projects.

“We are building on AmeriCorps’ long legacy of partnering with state and local organizations to lift up local expertise, expand local capacity, and address immediate needs within communities,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “I’m confident that our new and continued AmeriCorps VISTA partnerships will help address the unequal impacts of poverty and help build more equitable and just communities to ensure all Americans have the resources they need to thrive”

In addition, AmeriCorps is making available more than $5.3 million in education awards for AmeriCorps members. After successfully completing one year of service, AmeriCorps members earn 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. The education award is equivalent to the maximum value of the Pell Grant for the fiscal year in which the term of national service is approved.

Each year more than 7,000 AmeriCorps members serve in the VISTA program across all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Since 1965, AmeriCorps VISTA has provided resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to address poverty and economic opportunity across the country. AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program serve in an office setting and gain experience and leadership skills that prepare them for a life of service in the public, private or nonprofit sector. Americans can serve full-time with AmeriCorps VISTA or short-term in the Summer Associate program.

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.