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AmeriCorps joins a long tradition of programs that encourage and reward service ­ programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Peace Corps.

In return for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance and an education award that can be used to pay existing college loans or continuing education costs.

Partnerships that sponsor AmeriCorps programs recruit, select, and train their own AmeriCorps members, design and operate their local programs, and are responsible for providing funds and other resources to match the federal funds they receive through their AmeriCorps grant.

AmeriCorps Goals

In the short time since AmeriCorps' inception in 1994, its members have achieved impressive results.

More than 500,000 individuals are alumni of the program, and now take their place as the next generation of community leaders, educators, health professionals and the like.

Goals of AmeriCorps include:

  • Getting Things DoneAmeriCorps helps communities meet needs in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, and other human needs through direct and demonstrable service.
  • Strengthening Communities. AmeriCorps builds the capacity of community organizations and other institutions to more effectively engage community volunteers to improve our communities.
  • Encouraging Responsibility. Through service and civic education, AmeriCorps members become agents of community solutions and develop an ethic of lifelong service.
  • Expanding Opportunity. AmeriCorps helps those who help America. Members develop professional skills, gain invaluable experience and receive education awards for education or job training.

AmeriCorps programs do more than move communities forward; they serve their members by creating jobs and providing pathways to opportunity for young people entering the workforce. AmeriCorps places thousands of young adults into intensive service positions where they learn valuable work skills, earn money for education, and develop an appreciation for citizenship. 

900,000 - number of AmeriCorps members since 1994
1.2 billion - number of hours served since 1994
75,000 - number of AmeriCorps members each year

AmeriCorps programs focus on the areas of:

  • Education
  • Disaster Services
  • Health
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Economic Opportunity
  • Service to Veterans and Military Families

AmeriCorps programs provide opportunities for Americans to make an intensive commitment to service. The AmeriCorps network of local, state, and national service programs engages more than 80,000 Americans in projects around the nation each year.

Joining AmeriCorps is a way to put your idealism into action. As an AmeriCorps member, you can help make the world a better place: help children learn, protect the environment, or bring needed services to a low-income community.

There are opportunities in AmeriCorps for anyone who is willing to do something special, something unique, something exciting.