Americorps is a federal government program that places volunteers in public service settings, divided into three main sections: Americorps State and National, Americorps Vista, and America NCCC. Volunteers gain experience in a variety of fields and receive a small living allowance and money for college or outstanding loans. Critics argue the living wage is not enough, but supporters say the program establishes a sense of community and service among youth. Volunteers must submit an application to be accepted.
In 1993, the National and Community Service Trust Act was passed by US President Bill Clinton, paving the way for a federal government program called Americorps. Americorps is a program that places volunteers in a variety of public service settings, from education to restoration and environmental cleanup services. It is divided into three main sections: Americorps State and National, Americorps Vista (which stands for Volunteers in Service for America) and America NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).
The biggest division is the state and national of Americorps. This division undertakes educational tasks and community development projects, such as after-school classes, recruitment, and public safety. Americorps State and National participants receive a small living allowance and receive nearly $5,000 USD to pay for college or outstanding college loans. In addition, these Americorps volunteers gain experience in a variety of fields, from tutoring and other educational settings to environmental projects as well as community projects aimed at lifting low-income people out of poverty. Projects are based on specific community needs rather than an overall general objective.
Americorps Vista was originally a division of the Peace Corps and was implemented in the 1960s by US President John F. Kennedy. It was specifically designed to help low-income Americans and help them gain the skills they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Vista volunteers often work with a variety of non-profit and faith-based organizations to work with poor Americans. Vista volunteers also receive a modest salary, as well as money to pay off school or student loans.
Americorps NCCC accepts volunteers ages 18-24. Volunteers are committed for ten months based in one of several locations across the United States. Its activities cover a large number of different projects, from the rehabilitation of urban dwellings to the cleaning of wild areas. In addition, Americorps NCCC volunteers may work on a project to develop community emergency plans, natural disaster cleanup and evacuation plans, or other community planning projects. Like the other divisions of Americorps, NCCC works with non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, schools, cities and towns.
While critics of Americorps argue that the living wage is not enough for volunteers to survive, supporters say the program is valuable in establishing a sense of community and service among youth across the country that carries its own value. Additionally, Americorps brings attention to lesser-known nonprofit organizations that may be struggling to attract volunteers.
Volunteers must submit an application to be accepted into Americorps. More information and application packages can be found on their website.
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