AmeriCorps Seniors programs provide opportunities for older adult volunteers to be socially and physically active thus promoting healthy aging. This was especially important during the public health pandemic so older adults could continue to be engaged during a time when Americans were facing an increase in social isolation.

This study has five research objectives that tie directly to implications for the program. 

AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a partnership to address the public health needs of our nation by improving health outcomes for American communities and gain onsite experience for future careers in public health. Public Health AmeriCorps is the initiative name under AmeriCorps State and National. 

AmeriCorps has long sought to address environmental stewardship issues by funding national service programs that specifically target extreme weather events and other disasters, sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives, and disaster recovery programming.

This report explores the “Life and Career Skills” pathway of the AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey (MES) from 2017 to 2022. The AmeriCorps MES was developed by the AmeriCorps Office of Research and Evaluation to capture members’ attitudes towards their service experiences upon exiting their AmeriCorps programs. One of four theoretical pathways underpinning the AmeriCorps Member Theory of Change, “Life and Career Skills” refers to the capabilities needed to succeed in the workplace that members develop, enhance, and deploy during their service.

This report explores the “Getting Things Done” pathway of the AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey (MES) from 2017 to 2022. The AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey (MES) is a survey developed by the Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) to learn how members understand and internalize their service experience upon exiting their programs. One of four theoretical pathways underpinning the AmeriCorps Member theory of change, “Getting Things Done” refers to AmeriCorps members’ ability to self-start, go beyond what is required, and persevere in the face of challenges.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, residential, team-based program for young adults aged 18-24.* They maintain four programs, Traditional Corps, FEMA Corps, Summer of Service, and Forest Corps.

Recovery coaching is the process in which a nonclinical professional typically provides guidance to individuals with an SUD by helping them access care and supporting them in the removal of barriers to recovery (Zandniapour et al., 2020). The evaluation of recovery coaching as a substance use treatment strategy is still in nascent phases and more knowledge is needed on its implementation and associated outcomes. 

Parent Possible is a Colorado-based organization that equips parents with the tools they need for success in their children’s education and lives. Parent Possible has administered Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) since 1989. HIPPY is a home visitation program model with a curriculum to promote children’s development prior to kindergarten. In Parent Possible’s implementation of HIPPY, AmeriCorps members work with parents’ one-on-one with weekly visits.

Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) is an environmental service program dedicated to promoting field research and direct conservation service. Founded in 1991, MCC has received AmeriCorps support since 1993. MCC supports communities and public lands in the Northern Rockies (including Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota) through the deployment of teams to develop beaver dam analogs (BDAs), mitigate fire threats, reduce the spread of invasive species, and restore and re-designate trails.