Washington D.C. — The Corporation for National and Community Service today announced that 102 organizations will receive grants totaling $54.4 million to support approximately 6,850 AmeriCorps positions for the 2004-2005 program year. Funding was also set aside for the education awards of the members in these programs, which would total $22 million if all members earn their awards.

The grantee organizations announced today were nominated to receive federal funding nominated by state service commissions, whose members are appointed by governors. The grants announced today are all "continuation grants" representing funding for the second or third year of a three-year grant cycle. A full list can be found at www.nationalservice.org/news/pr/052504b.html.

"All Americans can be proud of the performance and the passion of these programs, which bring compassion, fairness, equity, and hope to communities that desperately need them," said David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees AmeriCorps. "Like the states they serve, these programs bring an incredible diversity of size and design to their mission of strengthening the communities they serve and enriching the lives of the AmeriCorps members themselves. These grants are another important step in our march toward supporting a record 75,000 AmeriCorps positions in 2004, our tenth anniversary year."

The grants support a wide range of activities in 45 states, including bolstering after-school programs in Iowa, restoring state parks in Florida, helping Maine seniors live independently in their homes; building Habitat for Humanity homes in North Carolina, responding to disasters in Okalahoma, teaching in Baltimore, providing housing for homeless veterans in Las Vegas, and building trails in Montana. Projects are in rural and urban areas, and range from large national nonprofits to small faith-based groups.

The fiscal 2004 budget signed by the President in January contained a $167 million increase for AmeriCorps. This funding level will allow the program to support 75,000 positions, the highest number in the program's 10-year existence. Most of the positions will be available starting in the fall. Interested individuals can learn about available opportunities and submit an online application by visiting www.americorps.org to find an opportunity that fits your needs."

"Whether you are graduating from college or high school, taking time off from school, or changing careers, AmeriCorps is a great way to get skills and college aid while making a difference for your community," said AmeriCorps Director Rosie Mauk. "AmeriCorps will have more members in more places serving more people in need than ever before, and we urge Americans of all ages to log onto www.americorps.org to find an opportunity that fits your needs."

Mauk added that many graduating seniors in the class of 2004 are looking at AmeriCorps not only as a way to make a difference but as a career-booster. "AmeriCorps is a fantastic way to jump-start a career. You learn valuable skills in leadership and problem-solving that most people never get in an entry level job. These are exactly the skills employers are looking for."

At the end of a successful full-time term of service, AmeriCorps members earn an education award of $4,725 that they can use to pay for college or to pay back qualified student loans. Part-time members earn awards in "pro-rated" amounts. Most AmeriCorps members also receive health benefits, student loan deferment, and a living allowance to offset food and housing costs during their term of service.

In addition to the AmeriCorps*State and National grant programs, AmeriCorps also includes AmeriCorps*NCCC, a 10-month, full-time residential program for men and women between the ages of 18 and 24 who carry out projects in public safety, public health, and disaster relief, and AmeriCorps*VISTA, whose members help bring individuals and communities out of poverty by serving full-time to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, increase housing opportunities, or bridge the digital divide.

AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. The programs of the Corporation engage more than two million Americans each year in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.org.

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