FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2023

National service agency recognizes AmeriCorps member in the VISTA program for thousands of hours of community service

WASHINGTON, DC— Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO, presented the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award to Alex Tran in New Castle, Del., May 30. Serving with AmeriCorps VISTA, Tran has completed more than 4,200 hours of service—all with five months still remaining on his VISTA term.

"The President’s Volunteer Service Award continues to highlight the enduring spirit of service  that unites Americans and transforms lives,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “I am honored to present Alex with the Presidential Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award and recognize the tremendous work he does for students and the local community.”

Tran first began mentoring students in Chinese while in college, along with participating and leading various school service projects. Then he discovered AmeriCorps NCCC in Colorado, embracing the service model and leadership opportunities into his life. Becoming a force for service, Tran served with AmeriCorps State and National at Habitat for Humanity in Sussex County before joining AmeriCorps VISTA.

Tran’s service numbers are impressive. He’s served more than 1,800 hours with AmeriCorps NCCC, along with another 1,700 hours with State and National. Alex has also served 1,700 hours with AmeriCorps VISTA, as well as other volunteering and service projects.

Tran is one of more than 1,200 Americans of all ages volunteering and serving to meet local needs in their communities in Delaware. Last year, AmeriCorps invested more than $4 million in federal funding to support community solutions in more than 200 service locations across the state. Through unique public-private partnerships, AmeriCorps and its partners generated more than $2.1 million in outside resources to support local communities.

AmeriCorps VISTA places individuals with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal governments to expand reach and deepen impact in making a sustainable change that alleviates the impact of poverty. Through fundraising, volunteer recruitment, program development, and more, AmeriCorps members gain experience and leadership skills that put them on track for a life of service in the public, private, or nonprofit sector.

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.