Volunteer Florida Announces $17 Million in AmeriCorps Funding for Florida’s Communities

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Volunteer Florida announced that the State of Florida has been awarded $17,189,370 from AmeriCorps to fund 37 programs throughout the state in 2021-2022. Cumulatively, these programs will recruit and manage 1,612 AmeriCorps members who will serve in 35 of Florida’s counties, contributing 1,981,575 total hours of service valued at $52,155,054.

“AmeriCorps members are on the front lines of service to Florida’s communities and various areas of need,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Corey Simon. “With this year’s significant investment, we are excited to support the tremendous impact that these national service members will affect in schools, hospices and state parks throughout the Sunshine State.”

During their year of service, AmeriCorps members gain valuable skills, professional experience, and a variety of benefits. Upon completion of their service year, AmeriCorps also provides these members up to $7,500,000 in Segal Education Awards. In addition to their service in Florida’s communities, this award allows them to pay off student loans or cover post-secondary education costs – a direct investment in Florida’s higher education system, as members often remain in state to attend college.

“For more than a decade, our efforts to serve Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been bolstered by AmeriCorps members,” said The Arc of Florida CEO Alan Abramowitz. “As we strive to break down barriers and provide needed services to our clients and their families, we’re continuing to unlock the benefits of AmeriCorps’ investment and are grateful to Volunteer Florida for securing this funding for Florida’s diverse communities.”

The following are new organizations that received an AmeriCorps grant this year:

SAGA Education
AmeriCorps members provide small-group, high-dosage math tutoring to 9th and 10th grade students in Broward County.

Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida
AmeriCorps members co-lead financial capability and literacy workshops, conduct community outreach and connect clients to financial support services.

Hispanic Unity of Florida
AmeriCorps members help families affected by the coronavirus pandemic move from crisis, to stability, to sustainability by providing job readiness coaching, training and skill-building opportunities.

Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida
AmeriCorps members expand adult education and literacy instruction in Duval County, providing reading and math instruction to adults through one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction and topic-focused workshops.

Senior Resource Alliance
AmeriCorps members conduct planned and structured activities for seniors in Brevard, Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties, such as wellness checks and walk-n-talks, focused on combatting social isolation and loneliness.

Broward College Unlimited Potential
AmeriCorps members serve as navigators to economically disadvantaged individuals in Broward County, leading them to job readiness for entry or advancement in high-demand, post-COVID industries.

For a full list of Volunteer Florida’s AmeriCorps programs, please click here.

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