As AmeriCorps Turns 25, Federal Agency Announces $560 Million in Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) today announced $560 million in AmeriCorps funding – including grants and education awards – to help national and local organizations, faith-based groups, and educational institutions respond to the most critical issues facing communities in the U.S. In total, this funding will provide 65,000 Americans the opportunity to serve their communities through AmeriCorps, which marks its 25th anniversary later this year.
In a highly competitive year, the federal investment includes grants of approximately $250 million, nearly 60 percent of which went to national program models, supporting the majority of AmeriCorps members. An additional $140 million was provided to Governor-appointed state service commissions, which in turn will be awarded to state-based organizations in the coming months. A complete list of awards by state or territory can be found here.
The total announced today includes $172 million CNCS is making available in education scholarships for AmeriCorps members serving under these grants. After completing a full term of service, members receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of roughly $6,000 to pay for college or to repay student loans.
“Building on America’s strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps can change lives, improve communities, and build a safer and stronger nation,” said Chester Spellman, Director of AmeriCorps. “For 25 years, the AmeriCorps members who pledge to ‘get things done’ have represented the best of America while demonstrating the great promise and ideals of our country. I congratulate all of this year’s grant recipients, who will help make service possible for a new generation of AmeriCorps members, and salute all those who serve.”
Every year, 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve through 21,000+ schools, nonprofits, and community and faith-based organizations across the country. This class of AmeriCorps members will prepare students for college, reduce crime and revitalize cities, connect veterans to jobs, fight the opioid epidemic, rebuild communities following disasters, preserve public lands, strengthen education, foster economic opportunity, and more.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of AmeriCorps. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than 1 million AmeriCorps members have served, These members provided more than 1.5 billion hours of service and earned more than $3.6 billion in education scholarships, more than $1 billion of which has been used to pay back student debt.
A growing body of research shows that service has an effect on more than just the communities served, but also on the members themselves. AmeriCorps alumni credit their year of service for developing leadership skills that bridges divides, solves problems, and opens doors to opportunities that advance their careers and education. In addition, research shows that alumni gain skills and are exposed to experiences that communities and employers find valuable.
Organizations are currently recruiting for AmeriCorps members to begin service this fall. Those interested in serving can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/Join.