AmeriCorps facts for kids
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| Agency overview | |
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| Formed | 1993 |
| Preceding agency |
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| Jurisdiction | Federal government of the United States |
| Headquarters | 250 E Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20525 |
| Employees | 586 (2020) |
| Annual budget | $1.055 billion USD (2013 Annualized CR level) |
| Agency executive |
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AmeriCorps is a special agency of the United States government. It helps millions of Americans get involved in volunteer work. These volunteers serve in many different areas. They help with things like education, the environment, and helping people in need.
AmeriCorps' main goal is to "improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering." It was started in 1993. In 2020, the agency started using the name AmeriCorps more often, even though its official name is still the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
In April 2025, some changes happened at AmeriCorps. About 75% of its full-time employees were put on leave. This was ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Contents
How AmeriCorps Helps Communities
AmeriCorps runs several programs. These programs are designed to help communities. They work on important issues like poverty, protecting the environment, and improving education.
AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps VISTA stands for Volunteers in Service to America. It started in 1965. It was like a version of the Peace Corps but for helping within the United States.
VISTA members work full-time with groups that help people. These groups include non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, and government agencies. Their main goal is to create and grow programs. These programs help low-income people and communities rise out of poverty. Today, over 5,000 VISTA members serve in about 1,200 programs across the country.
VISTA members make a promise to support the U.S. Constitution. They promise to do their duties well.
AmeriCorps NCCC
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a program for young adults. It's for men and women aged 18 to 26. Members live together in teams. They serve at one of four main locations in the U.S. These locations are in Mississippi, Iowa, Colorado, and California.
Each NCCC campus focuses on states in its area. But teams can also travel to other places. They help out when there are big problems or emergencies across the country.
AmeriCorps State and National
AmeriCorps State and National is the biggest AmeriCorps program. It gives money to local and national groups. These groups include community organizations, colleges, and government agencies. The money helps them find, train, and place AmeriCorps members. These members then work to solve important community needs. This includes helping with education, public safety, health, and the environment.
After finishing their service, members can get an Education Award. This award can be up to $6,095. It can be used to pay for college classes or to pay off student loans. Full-time members usually work 1,700 hours over 11 months. They also get a living allowance, health benefits, and help with child care.
AmeriCorps State and National members make a special pledge. They promise to "get things done for America." They commit to making people safer, smarter, and healthier. They also promise to bring Americans together and strengthen communities.
AmeriCorps Seniors
AmeriCorps Seniors has three programs for people aged 55 and older. These programs let seniors volunteer their time.
- Foster Grandparents: Volunteers teach and guide children.
- Senior Companions: Volunteers help older adults live on their own.
- RSVP: Volunteers can choose from many different roles to help their communities.
Other Ways AmeriCorps Helps
AmeriCorps also supports other important days of service:
- MLK Day of Service: A day to honor Martin Luther King Jr. by serving others.
- September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance: A day to remember 9/11 by helping communities.
Special Projects
Employers of National Service
In 2014, President Barack Obama started a project called Employers of National Service. This project helps people who have served in AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps find jobs. Businesses that join this project look for people with national service experience. They see it as a great plus when hiring. Over 500 employers have joined this project so far.
History of AmeriCorps
The idea for AmeriCorps started with the Commission on National and Community Service. This was a new government agency created in 1990. Its goal was to encourage more volunteering in the United States.
The Commission focused on four main areas:
- Programs where students learn by serving others.
- Service programs for college students.
- Youth groups that help communities.
- New ways to show how national service can work.
In 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service was created. It combined the old ACTION agency with the Commission. This new agency also started the AmeriCorps program we know today.
Key Moments in AmeriCorps History
- 1990: President George H. W. Bush signed a law to encourage volunteering. This created the Commission on National and Community Service.
- 1992: The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) was created. It was based on the Civilian Conservation Corps from the Great Depression. It used military ideas to help solve problems at home.
- 1993: President Bill Clinton signed a law that officially created the Corporation for National and Community Service. This agency brought together ACTION and the Commission. It also added the new AmeriCorps program. This law aimed to help education, community well-being, and encourage service. It offered money for college to those who completed service. It also focused on strengthening local communities and getting young people involved.
- 2002: President George W. Bush started the USA Freedom Corps.
- 2020: The agency officially started using the name "AmeriCorps" more widely.
Recent Changes
In April 2025, some big changes happened at AmeriCorps. About 75% of the staff were put on paid leave. Also, the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program was stopped. This included the FEMA Corps, which helped with disaster relief.
How AmeriCorps is Organized
AmeriCorps has a board of directors. This board helps guide the agency. It has 26 members. Fifteen of these members are chosen by the president of the United States. They need approval from the United States Senate. These chosen members should have a lot of experience in volunteering and service. They also need to represent many different viewpoints.
The board also includes leaders from other government departments. These include the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Labor, and the director of the Peace Corps. These members do not vote, but they help guide the discussions.
Impact of AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps has helped many national programs get started. These include groups like Public Allies and Teach For America. It has also given important help to older, well-known groups. These include City Year, Boys and Girls Club, and the American Red Cross.
Studies show that AmeriCorps makes community service more effective. People who serve in AmeriCorps often become more committed to helping others. They also learn important life and job skills. These skills include leadership, teamwork, and managing their time. Many AmeriCorps members also go on to get a college degree.
Images for kids
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Eli Segal, the first CEO of AmeriCorps.
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Harris Wofford, a former CEO.
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Nicola Goren, who served as Acting CEO.
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Patrick Corvington, a former CEO.
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Robert Velasco II, who served as Acting CEO.
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Wendy Spencer, a former CEO.
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Barbara Stewart, a former CEO.
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Michael D. Smith, a former CEO.
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