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AmeriCorps: A National Corps of Capable, Committed Individuals
"Everyone Can Be Great because Everyone Can Serve"
—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides opportunities for citizens to serve their communities. Participants in AmeriCorps, known as "members," join a local program and provide intensive community service.
Nationally, AmeriCorps Members serve with more than 3,000 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. Since 1994, more than 400,000 men and women have provided needed assistance to communities across the nation through their AmeriCorps service.
AmeriCorps opens the door for citizens to serve in a variety of ways. Through their service and the volunteers they mobilize, AmeriCorps members address critical needs in communities throughout America, including:
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Tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth
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Fighting illiteracy
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Improving health services
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Building affordable housing
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Teaching computer skills
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Cleaning parks and streams
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Managing or operating after-school programs
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Helping communities respond to disasters
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Building organizational capacity
What are the benefits of being an AmeriCorps Member?
AmeriCorps members gain new skills. As an AmeriCorps member, you will join a group of people with many different backgrounds and life experiences, but you will share a common desire to contribute and to improve your community and country. You will learn collaboration, communication, leadership and other life skills. Upon completion of service, you may receive an education award to help pay for college or graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans. While serving, you may receive a modest living allowance, as well as health benefits, training and student loan deferment. Some members are eligible for health care and child care benefits.
How are these programs funded?
Volunteer Florida receives funds from the Corporation for National and Community Service. We award these funds to local nonprofits and governmental organizations through a competitive grant process. Generally, in the fall, Volunteer Florida announces funding availability for AmeriCorps grants. All current Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are posted on the Grants Information page of this Web site.
How can I join AmeriCorps?
Please visit the "How Can I Become an AmeriCorps Member?" page for details.
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