FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2024

MANCHESTER – AmeriCorps leaders joined US Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) in Manchester last week to announce more than $3.4 million in federal funding for AmeriCorps in New Hampshire.  The funding is awarded to Volunteer NH, New Hampshire’s State Service Commission, which will then distribute them to AmeriCorps State and National program grant recipients. The grant award will support the work of more than 150 AmeriCorps members who will engage in service across the state. AmeriCorps members will support social and emotional development efforts for youth, academic support, youth mentorship, and conservation stewardship to publicly accessible lands in New Hampshire.

After successfully completing a full-service term, members receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award equal to the Pell Grant toward tuition at eligible schools and at specific GI Bill-approved educational programs for veterans or student loan repayment.  

“It was great to join AmeriCorps in Manchester to celebrate the federal funding that is coming to New Hampshire to support programs like Manchester Excels,” said Senator Hassan. “Manchester Excels helps address New Hampshire’s teacher workforce shortage and train the teachers who are working to improve our communities. I’m glad that more Granite Staters will get this vital help in their efforts to join the teaching profession.”

"This year’s AmeriCorps State and National grants demonstrate our steadfast commitment to helping communities tackle the most urgent challenges head on,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “These funds will empower AmeriCorps members to make significant strides in education and environmental stewardship, demonstrating the power of national service to bring about positive change. I am thrilled to see the impact our members and volunteers will have on New Hampshire and am grateful for the hard work and dedication of all involved. Together, we are building a brighter future in across the Granite State.”

"Partnerships like this make a phenomenal impact and foster a culture of empowerment and progress—AmeriCorps members are planting seeds of change and actively engaging in the process as they grow,” said Gretchen Stallings, Volunteer NH Executive Director. “Service is the cornerstone of community resilience!”

Senator Hassan and AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith visited an AmeriCorps State and National Grantee, Manchester Excels, part of the Volunteer NH network last Friday at Manchester Memorial High School to award them their grant funding. Manchester Excels is a partnership between Goodwill NNE AmeriCorps partners and Southern New Hampshire University. It’s an innovative program to help aspiring teachers realize their dream. Their grant award of more than $504,000 will support 210 students in the city of Manchester.

The more than $3.4 million was funded by the 2024 fiscal year AmeriCorps State and National Grant Competition. View a complete list of awards, including organizations and funding totals.

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.

US Senator Maggie Hassan: Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, Senator Hassan has worked across the aisle to get results for Granite Staters. She is the second woman in American history to be elected both Governor and United States Senator, along with fellow New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Senator Hassan is committed to working with members of both parties to deliver for New Hampshire and solve problems in order to expand economic opportunity, support small businesses, and keep America safe, secure, and free.

Volunteer NH is a nonprofit, located in Concord, with a mission to engage communities to solve local challenges through volunteerism. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and approved by the Executive Council.

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.