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(Washington D.C.) – Serving in AmeriCorps has positive effects on members’ civic engagement, according to a five-year study to be released today at the National Press Club by David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
“The first rigorous scientific study of AmeriCorps tells us that people who take the AmeriCorps pledge and fulfill their year of service end up as more engaged citizens than they would have been had they not participated in AmeriCorps,” said Eisner. “National service programs are important contributors to the long-term civic health of our nation.”
“Serving Country and Community: A Longitudinal Study of Service in AmeriCorps,” was conducted by Abt Associates, an independent social policy and research firm. The study, which has been underway since 1998, includes a nationally representative sample of more than 2,000 AmeriCorps members and compares changes in the outcomes over time to those of similarly interested individuals not enrolled in AmeriCorps. An executive summary, fact sheet and the full report are available at www.nationalservice.gov.
Specific findings of the study include:
- The findings reflect only the initial stages of a long-term longitudinal study, but they demonstrate a powerful positive impact on members’ attitudes and behaviors in areas of civic engagement, education, employment and life skills.
- AmeriCorps participation resulted in statistically significant positive impacts on members’ connection to their community; knowledge about problems facing their community and participation in community based activities such as attending public meetings and writing to newspapers.
- Participation has a significant effect on AmeriCorps*State and National members who did not volunteer prior to enrolling, reflecting the capacity of AmeriCorps to strengthen civic attitudes and behaviors.
- Former AmeriCorps members were significantly more likely than the comparison group to enter careers in public service such as teaching, public safety, social work and full time military service.
More than 380,000 men and women have served in AmeriCorps since the program’s inception ten years ago. The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country, primarily through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov.
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