Americorps

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps members serve through more than 2,100 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. They tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters. Created in 1993, AmeriCorps is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. Together these programs engage more than 2 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service each year.

Overview

Since 1994, more than 250,000 men and women have served in AmeriCorps, providing needed assistance to millions of Americans. AmeriCorps provides trained, dedicated people to help nonprofits accomplish more and make more effective use of volunteers. President Bush has asked AmeriCorps to expand its work in public safety, public health, and disaster relief to assist in homeland security. The President has also proposed expanding AmeriCorps as part of his USA Freedom Corps initiative. AmeriCorps is made up of three programs: AmeriCorps*State and National, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).

AmeriCorps*State and National

More than three-quarters of AmeriCorps grant funding goes to Governor-appointed State Commissions, which in turn distribute and monitor grants to local nonprofits and agencies. The other quarter goes to national nonprofits that operate in more than one state. The organizations receiving grants are responsible for recruiting, selecting, and supervising AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps grantees include national groups like Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as many small faith-based and community organizations. Approximately 44,000 members served in AmeriCorps*State and National programs in fiscal year 2001.

AmeriCorps*VISTA

For more than 35 years, AmeriCorps*VISTA members have been helping bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members serve full-time for a year in nonprofit's, public agencies and faith based groups throughout the country, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, increase housing opportunities, or bridge the digital divide. In fiscal 2001, approximately 6,000 AmeriCorps*VISTA members served in 1,200 local programs.

AmeriCorps*NCCC

AmeriCorps*NCCC is a 10-month, full-time residential program for men and women between the ages of 18 and 24. AmeriCorps*NCCC combines the best practices of civilian service with the best aspects of military service, including leadership and team building. Members serve in teams of 10 to 15 members. Priority is given to projects in public safety, public health, and disaster relief. Teams are based at one of five campuses across the country but are sent to work on short-term projects in neighboring states. In fiscal year 2001, 1,000 members served in AmeriCorps*NCCC.

Eligibility and Benefits

AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents aged 17 or older. Members serve full or part time over a 10 to 12 month period. After successfully completing a term of service, AmeriCorps members who are enrolled in the National Service Trust are eligible to receive an education award. The education award can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education or training, or to repay qualified student loans. The award currently is $4,725 for a year of full-time service, with correspondingly lesser awards for part-time and reduced part-time service. A member has up to seven years after his or her term of service has ended to claim the award.

For those considering service with AmeriCorps*VISTA:

AmeriCorps*VISTA members successfully completing a term of service in an approved national service position are eligible to receive either an education award or end-of-service stipend of $1,200. The education award option is subject to available education trust allocations to AmeriCorps*VISTA and must be selected prior to the start of service.

Budget

The program's budget for fiscal year 2002 is $425 million. Sponsoring partners in most programs must provide 33 percent of the program operating costs and 15 percent of the member living allowance.

More Information

To learn more about joining AmeriCorps, go to www.americorps.org/joining or call 1-800-942-2677 or (TTY 1-800-833-3722).