AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps enlists over 75,000 volunteers every year to participate in a unique opportunity to make a difference for themselves and the communities in which they serve. AmeriCorps is a federal government program created in 1993 under then President Bill Clinton and is designed to help communities in need through partnerships with non-profit organizations, public agencies and religious based groups. Since the organization was created over half a million volunteers have participated in the program. As part of the Corporation for National & Community Service, AmeriCorps is loosely connected to Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America.

As an AmeriCorps volunteer work opportunities include:

AmeriCorps is broken down into three main programs - AmeriCorps State & National, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).

AmeriCorps State & National

AmeriCorps State & National is the largest program and through federal grants assists with public and private organizations to address issues of public safety, healthcare, the environment and public education. At the completion of service in the AmeriCorps State & National Program volunteers receive education awards up to $4,725. Service usually consists of a total of 1,700 hours of service over an 11 month term.

National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)

Participation in AmeriCorps' National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program is open to adults aged 18 to 24. Members serve in one of three regions which are U.S. Eastern, U.S. Midwestern and U.S. Western regions.

Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)

The VISTA program was established in 1965 as part of the Peace Corps with volunteers serving here in the United States instead of abroad. This program was incorporated into AmeriCorps when AmeriCorps was created by President Clinton. The primary purpuse of this program is to help individuals in disenfranchised communities rise out of poverty.