Since 1994, more than 250,000 men and women have served in AmeriCorps, providing needed assistance to millions of Americans. AmeriCorps provides trained, dedicated people to help nonprofit groups, both secular and faith-based. Members tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, help communities respond to disasters, and recruit and manage traditional volunteers. At the request of President Bush, AmeriCorps has expanded its work to include projects directly related to homeland security.

AmeriCorps*State and National

More than three-quarters of AmeriCorps grant funding goes to Governor-appointed state service commissions, which in turn award and monitor grants to hundreds of nonprofit groups and agencies. The other quarter goes to national nonprofits that operate in more than one state.

The organizations that receive grants are responsible for recruiting, selecting, and supervising AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps grantees include national groups such as the U.S. Veterans Initiative, National Council of La Raza, Catholic Network of Volunteer Service, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, as well as hundreds of smaller faith-based and local community organizations.

AmeriCorps*VISTA

For more than 35 years, AmeriCorps*VISTA members have helped impoverished individuals and communities attain self sufficiency. Members serve full time for a year with nonprofit groups, public agencies, and faith-based organizations throughout the country, working to fight illiteracy,
improve health services, create and expand businesses, increase housing opportunities, and bridge the digital divide.

Approximately 6,000 AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve in more than 1,100 local programs; nearly 15 percent of AmeriCorps*VISTA members are assigned to projects that support the work of faith-based organizations.

AmeriCorps*NCCC

President Bush with AmeriCorps*NCCC members at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples, Fla.. White House photo by Eric Draper.

AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a 10-month, team-based, full-time residential program for men and women between the ages of 18 and 24. It combines the best practices of civilian service with the best aspects of military service, including leadership training and team building. Members serve in diverse teams of 10 to 14 individuals. Priority is given to projects in homeland security and disaster relief. Teams are based at five campuses across the country and are assigned to projects in their respective regions. Approximately 1,200 members serve in AmeriCorps*NCCC.

AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens age 17 and older. Members serve full or part time over a 10- to 12-month period.

For additional information about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.org.