FRANKFORT, Ky. ( August 27, 2019) – The Commonwealth of Kentucky has received more than $7.1 million in AmeriCorps federal funding for 21 programs with over 900 members.
AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by Serve Kentucky, an agency within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Members serve faith-based and nonprofit groups, educational institutions, local government entities and state agencies.
Organizations are selected for grants based on their plans to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities.
Funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of AmeriCorps. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than 1 million Americans have served their country through the national service program.
Organizations are currently recruiting for AmeriCorps members to begin service this fall. Those interested in serving can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/Join.
“AmeriCorps members dedicate up to a year of their lives to service in many areas,” explained CHFS Secretary Adam Meier. “They provide classroom support through mentoring and tutoring services. AmeriCorps members also assist with financial counseling, disaster planning and home repairs. They engage our youth and seniors.”
Including additional match funding and educational grants, AmeriCorps programs will result in a $16.2 million investment in Kentucky. This funding will continue to build workforce and community resources, while addressing critical needs across the Commonwealth.
“AmeriCorps members make a powerful impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation,” said Joe Bringardner, Director of Serve Kentucky. “Building on Kentucky’s strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps members will improve lives and strengthen communities across the state.”
Since 1994, more than 13,000 Kentuckians have served approximately 20 million hours through AmeriCorps. Bringardner said the program can provide a pathway to higher education and a selected career. In fact, eight of 10 alumni say their AmeriCorps experience helped them secure a job.
“As they serve others, AmeriCorps members will also expand opportunity for themselves - gaining skills and experience to jumpstart their careers,” he added.
CNCS will make available $3.7 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards. After completing a full term of service, members receive $6,095 for college, postsecondary education or to pay back student loans.
As a whole, Kentucky received $4.5 million in national competitive grant funding for nine AmeriCorps programs along with $2.6 million in formula grant funding to support additional state programs.
Serve Kentucky awarded grants to 12 additional programs based on this funding allocation.
The full list of grant recipients can be found online here: https://serve.ky.gov/americorps/Documents/FY19-KY-AmeriCorps-Grants.pdf
AmeriCorps program sponsors are also contributing nearly $5.5 million in local funding matches.
NOTE: Competitive grants are awarded nationally for fixed periods for specific projects and costs. Formula grants are awarded by the bipartisan Serve Kentucky commission based on local needs, governor’s office priorities, geographic and program diversity, performance measurements and CNCS focus areas.
