AmeriCorps is the national service movement that provides opportunities for dedicated Americans of all ages and backgrounds to help solve community problems through service. The Virginia Commission on National and Community Service administers the Virginia AmeriCorps programs. More than 17,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to solve problems and strengthen communities through 76 national service projects across Virginia. Serving through local nonprofits, schools, religious organizations and other groups, these citizens tutor and mentor children, coordinate after-school programs, build homes, organize neighborhood watch groups, clean parks, recruit volunteers, and accomplish great things to improve communities.

This year, AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps, will provide more than 430 individuals the opportunity to spend a year serving in Virginia communities. National nonprofits, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, make other assignments. Other national service programs include AmeriCorps* VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America), and AmeriCorps* NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).

AmeriCorps is:

1. Getting Things Done: AmeriCorps members help communities solve problems in the areas of education, public safety, environment, welfare reform, and other human needs.
2. Strengthening Communities: AmeriCorps unites individuals from different backgrounds and organizations, in a common effort to improve our communities.
3. Encouraging Responsibility: AmeriCorps encourages members to explore and exercise their responsibilities to their communities, their families, and themselves during their service experience and throughout their lives.
4. Expanding Opportunities: AmeriCorps helps those who help America. After completing a year of service, AmeriCorps members receive $2,362.50 (900 hours) - $4,725 (1,700 hours) to further their education or to pay back their student loans. To date, 1,019 Virginia residents have completed their AmeriCorps service and have qualified for education awards of more than $3,766,000.

Virginia AmeriCorps Office
1-800-638-3839