Whose Life Did You Change Today?

All across America, AmeriCorps members are getting things done for their communities.

AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps, engages citizens of all ages in projects ranging from tutoring, youth mentoring, public safety, housing rehabilitation, health care, environmental issues, and disaster relief. It gives communities and neighborhoods valuable human resources for addressing their most pressing civic issues, and gives the individual a way to serve their country by picking up a book or a shovel. It has given thousands of Americans opportunities to increase their skills and earn money for college that otherwise would not have been available to them.

Over 150,000 people have served their communities through AmeriCorps since the program's inception in 1993, over 3,200 in Missouri alone, logging nearly 2 million service hours. Among their accomplishments, Missouri AmeriCorps members have tutored nearly 25,000 elementary and secondary students with 80% improving at least one grade level, and contributed to significant reductions in urban crime rates through conflict resolution and other public safety programs.

AmeriCorps programs are designed to address specific issues, and to achieve measurable objectives. Member activities must not duplicate the work of existing staff. Programs fall into one of four categories: Education, environment, human needs, public safety.

Any not for profit organization, local or state government, school district, or institution of higher education may sponsor an AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps members serve for one year, full time (1,700 hours) or part time (900 hours). At the completion of their service commitment they receive a $4,725 education award (half that amount for part time service) that may be redeemed at a Title IV university, college, or trade school. Most AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance while serving, although it varies with the type of program.

The AmeriCorps*State program provides Federal funds for living allowances and program administration. Sponsoring organizations are required to produce a one-third match, and should have sufficient capacity to operate personnel and accounting systems, comply with Federal grant provisions, and respond to Federal reporting requirements.

The AmeriCorps Education Award Program provides only a small amount of Federal monies for administrative purposes. However, it also frees Sponsors from match requirements. Members may still receive a living allowance, but it is up to the Sponsor to determine the source and amounts of those funds.

The AmeriCorps Promise Fellow Initiative provides one or two members for working intensively to assure that all youth have access to basic resources as identified by America's Promise. Fellows receive a slightly higher living allowance, but due to the small size of the initiative may have to function on their own, without the "team" support generated through other AmeriCorps programs.