The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
Thanks to $234 million in federal AmeriCorps grants, the Corporation for National and Community Service announces that more than 325 organizations across the country will get a major boost in their efforts to address pressing social issues.
President Barack Obama signs H.R. 1388, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, at The SEED School of Washington, D.C. The legislation tripled the size of AmeriCorps and provides new service opportunities for millions of Americans at all stages of their lives. April 21, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
The AmeriCorps grants, the first made under the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act signed by President Obama in April 2009, carry out the vision of the landmark law to expand the AmeriCorps program and target it on addressing critical national issues.
Today, the Corporation for National and Community Service announced that more than 325 organizations across the country will get a major boost in their efforts – thanks to $234 million in federal AmeriCorps grants. Patrick Corvington, Corporation CEO, discussed these grants:
In difficult times, working in some of America’s most distressed communities, AmeriCorps members are using service as a solution to our toughest problems. With these grants, we are not only expanding AmeriCorps, we are focusing AmeriCorps -- by targeting it on the most critical issues facing our country -- from illiteracy and the high school dropout epidemic to hunger and homelessness.
View a table of the 329 grants awarded to national and local nonprofits that will engage more than 57,000 new AmeriCorps members to improve lives and strengthen communities from coast to coast. Many of the positions announced today will be available starting in the fall, learn more about available opportunities at AmeriCorps.gov.
Below are a few examples of the organizations that are receiving funds:
- Education: Teach for America’s grant will support more than 6,600 classroom teachers for under-resourced schools.
- Health: The National Association of Community Health Centers will engage 469 AmeriCorps members in providing health education and improving access to health services in low income communities across the U.S.
- Clean Energy and Environment: The Corps Network will engage 2,885 members in expanding recycling programs, constructing trails, removing invasive species, and weatherizing homes while providing disadvantaged youth with green job skills.
- Veterans: The American Legion Auxiliary will engage 15 AmeriCorps members who will provide services, conduct outreach, manage volunteers and build the capacity of organizations addressing the needs of veterans and military families in six states.
- Economic opportunity: Through their national grant, YouthBuild USA, Inc. will engage 2,930 members in renovating houses and buildings for homeless people and low-income families.
First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama introduce the Edward M. Kennedy National Service Bill and later plant trees in its honor. April 21, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)
The Corporation for National and Community Service engages more than five million Americans in service and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.
