FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jun 09, 2016

INDIANAPOLIS – The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, announced today that Indiana has received $4.3 million in AmeriCorps funding to support nonprofit organizations across the state.

“AmeriCorps members make a powerful impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Building on Indiana’s strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps members will improve lives and strengthen communities across the Hoosier state. While they serve others, AmeriCorps members will also expand opportunity for themselves - gaining skills and experience to jumpstart their careers.  I salute AmeriCorps members for their dedication, and thank our outstanding partners who make their service possible.”

The federal investment includes seven grants totaling $1.6 million, which will support 528 AmeriCorps members. Through these grants, AmeriCorps members will support youth development and education programs serving more than 33,000 Indiana students in grades K-12, help expand economic opportunity, and improve disaster preparedness in all 80 Indiana counties.   

CNCS will also provide up to $2.2 million in education scholarships for the AmeriCorps members funded by these grants to help pay for college, vocational training, or pay back student loans. The federal investment is projected to generate an additional $10.5 million in local support to increase community impact and return on federal investment.

The federal investment announced today also includes $2.7 million for Serve Indiana, the Governor-appointed state service commission. Later this summer, Serve Indiana will make additional grants to support AmeriCorps programs in the state.

“Congratulations to the seven Indiana universities and organizations receiving AmeriCorps grants,” said U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly. “These grants will help improve the quality of life for families and help hundreds of young Hoosiers give back to their communities through service.”

“AmeriCorps members are an indispensable resource for nonprofits, communities, and the individuals they serve,” said Congressman André Carson. “Community service is an essential part of the solutions to many of the challenges Hoosiers face, and AmeriCorps members are able to bring the country together by uniting individuals behind a common goal. I congratulate the American Red Cross of Indiana, Public Allies, Phalen Leadership Academies of Indiana, and Teach for America for receiving these grants, and thank all those who have answered the call to serve by joining AmeriCorps.”

“Congratulations to the Boys and Girls Club of Wayne County for receiving this grant.  This is exciting news for the 185 AmeriCorps Members and more than 30,000 Hoosiers they’ll serve,” said Congressman Luke Messer. “Receiving this award during such a competitive grant cycle attests to Project ACE’s important impact in Richmond and the surrounding communities.  I look forward to seeing the great work these men and women will do for our children and our community through this project.”

“National service is an essential part of the solution to many of the challenges facing our state,” said Debbie Pidgeon, executive director of Serve Indiana. “These AmeriCorps members will serve people who most need opportunities to improve their life circumstances. Members develop civic and leadership skills that we expect to last a lifetime so that they can continue to be change makers throughout Indiana.  I congratulate these outstanding organizations and thank all those who serve their communities through AmeriCorps.”

Below is a listing of 2016 AmeriCorps competitive grants based in Indiana:

  • University of Notre Dame ACE Program:  In this national program based in Indiana, AmeriCorps members will serve as teachers in under-resourced urban and rural schools in 12 states and the District of Columbia.  AmeriCorps members will teach more than 13,000 students and meet the critical shortage of education professionals in high need areas. (154 AmeriCorps members)
     
  • Robinson Community Learning Center AmeriCorps Program through the University of Notre Dame: AmeriCorps members will coordinate a range of educational programs, provide direct service, recruit/supervise volunteers, expand outreach, develop curricula, and assist with program evaluation, at the Robinson Community Learning Center, the Notre Dame Center for Arts and Culture (NDCAC), the YMCA Urban Youth Services, and the OC Carmichael Boys and Girls Club. (29 AmeriCorps members)
     
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County Indiana – Project ACES: AmeriCorps members will work with Indiana children through education, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership development in Boys & Girls Clubs facilities across Indiana.  (185 AmeriCorps members)
     
  • American Red Cross of Indiana: AmeriCorps members will help build capacity and grow disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in 80 Indiana counties. AmeriCorps members will also serve on an on-call Disaster Action Team and assist with local disaster relief operations with the potential for regional or national disaster relief operation deployment. (25 AmeriCorps members)
     
  • Public Allies of Indianapolis: AmeriCorps members will deliver capacity-building services in 15 unique organizations that are addressing educational, health, and economic disparity throughout Indianapolis. (20 AmeriCorps members)
     
  • Phalen Leadership Academies Indiana – Scholars Excel AmeriCorps Program: AmeriCorps members will provide small group, intervention-based instruction to children in elementary schools in high-poverty neighborhoods. AmeriCorps members will help increase students’ math and reading proficiency, improve their knowledge of and interest in STEM subjects and careers, and grow their self-esteem and engagement in school.  (20 AmeriCorps members)
     
  • Teach for America: AmeriCorps members will teach in low-income district, charter, and turnaround schools across Indianapolis to improve the literacy and/or math educational outcomes for students. (95 AmeriCorps members)

AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 members in intensive service annually to serve through nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations at more than 21,000 locations across the country. These members help communities tackle pressing problems while mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve.  

Since 1994, nearly 1 million Americans have earned more than $3 billion in education scholarships. Later this year, the one millionth AmeriCorps member will take the AmeriCorps pledge, committing to ‘get things done’ for America. In Indiana, more than 15,000 Indiana residents have served more than 20 million hours and qualified for more than $46.1 million in education scholarships.

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.