What is AmeriCorps?AmeriCorps is a civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors engaging adults in intensive community service work with the goal of "helping others and meeting critical needs in the community". Members commit to full-time or part-time positions offered by a network of nonprofit community organizations and public agencies, to fulfill assignments in the fields of education, public safety, health care, and environmental protection. The program is often compared to the Peace Corps as its domestic counterpart.

AmeriCorps is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which also oversees the Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. It was created under President Bill Clinton by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, incorporating VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) and the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).

Since the program’s founding in 1994, more than 900,000 AmeriCorps members have contributed more than 1.2 billion hours in service across America while tackling pressing problems and mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve.

As, of 2012, over 80,000 members participating annually as of 2012. Members may be provided modest financial compensation in the form of cost-of-living allowances, student loan deferment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and funding for educational expenses. Less tangible benefits include professional skill development and work experience. An internal study found that participation in AmeriCorps strengthened civic attitudes and behaviors, and made members more likely to choose careers in public service.

The AmeriCorps organization consists of 3 programs:

The State and National Program which is the largest and broadest of the AmeriCorps programs, provides grants to local and national organizations and agencies which may include: faith-based and community organizations, higher education institutions, and public agencies.

These groups recruit, train, and place AmeriCorps members to meet critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.

AmeriCorps State and National programs are open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens age 17 and older. Members may serve full- or part-time over a period not to exceed 12 months. Individuals can serve as AmeriCorps members in every state, U.S. territory, and on tribal reservations.

AmeriCorps State and National

Volunteers in Mississippi building housing for disaster relief program and recovery program.

Volunteers assisting in Environmental cleanup in Florida.

Harvesting mustard greens with the Hunger Task Force Farm in Milwaukee, WI.

Cleanup and disaster relief in Georgia after tornadoes.

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)

Working with habitat for Humanity in Georgia.

Infrastructure improvements in Vermont state parks.

AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) strengthens communities and develops leaders through direct, team-based national and community service. In partnership with non-profits—secular and faith based—local municipalities, state governments, federal government, national and state parks, Indian tribes, and schools, members complete service projects throughout the region they are assigned.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women age 18-24. Members are assigned to one of five campuses — Denver, CO; Sacramento, CA; Baltimore, MD; Vicksburg, MS; and Vinton, IA.

Trail building in Minnesota.Chainsaw training at the Colorado Campus.

AmeriCorps VISTAThroughout 2015, we will recognize 50 years of Volunteers In Service To America. VISTA was founded in 1965 as a national service program to fight poverty in America. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs.

Today, more than 46 million Americans live in poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA taps the skills, talents and passion of more than 7,000 Americans annually to support community efforts to overcome poverty.

By serving with AmeriCorps VISTA, you can make a tangible difference. And, you’ll find the fulfillment that comes from using your knowledge and skills to help those in disadvantaged circumstances turn their dreams into reality.

Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. They focus their efforts to build the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.

Garden building at Lincoln Middle School in Oakland, California.

Volunteer reading program for daycare children at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

VSCCBailey McDade

Ian Dacey

Shanique Wilson

Megan Gray

Kenneth Goode

Virginia Service Conservation Corps

3 Corps crews, 17 people in total, are currently spending 10 months or 1700 hours, from November 2014 through August 2015. Projects include trail construction and maintenance, invasive species control and prescribed practices to restore historic ecosystems on parklands, educate volunteers and visitors about the natural habitat, and operate during natural disasters.

The 3 Corps base parks are Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge, VA, Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, VA, and Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, VA.

Training at Twin Lakes State Park, Greenbay, VA.

Leesylvania Pocahontas

Inspired by the ethic of President Franklin Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps, VSCC participants are designed to preserve and protect public lands in the state and offer training and temporary employment, particularly to veterans and young adults.

Hungry Mother