Rep. Carson Announces Half a Million Dollars in AmeriCorps Grants for Indianapolis Organizations
Rep. Carson Announces Half a Million Dollars in AmeriCorps Grants for Indianapolis Organizations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson announced today that Public Allies, Inc. and Indiana Habitat for Humanity have received more than half a million dollars in AmeriCorps grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Public Allies, Inc. was granted $390,000 and Indiana Habitat for Humanity received $154,420.
The grants will support 42 AmeriCorps members who will work to address low education attainment in local communities, alleviate housing and economic disparities, and provide organizations with support for staffing and volunteer recruitment.
"Our nation is truly set apart by citizens who are willing to take time and serve their communities in a powerful way," said Congressman Carson. "These AmeriCorps members will meet pressing local needs and strengthen our communities as they develop civic and leadership skills that can last a lifetime. I congratulate Public Allies and Indiana Habitat for Humanity for receiving these grants and thank all those who have answered the call to service by joining AmeriCorps."
In addition to grant dollars, CNCS is setting aside funding to pay for Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for individuals who will serve in positions funded by these grants. After completing a full term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an education award of $5,550 that they can use to pay for college or to pay off student loans.
The current year's AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive, due to the strong and growing demand by organizations seeking AmeriCorps resources.
The grants focus AmeriCorps resources on six key areas: strengthening education, fostering economic opportunity, preparing for and responding to disasters, improving health, meeting environmental and energy efficiency needs, and assisting veterans and military families.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet critical needs. Its members serve through thousands of nonprofit and faith-based organizations in rural and urban communities throughout the nation. Among other activities, AmeriCorps members tutor and mentor youth, expand health services, build affordable housing, run after-school programs, help veterans access employment and other services, respond to disasters, and recruit and train other volunteers.
AmeriCorps, which is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, engages 80,000 people each year in intensive, results-driven service through more than 14,000 organizations across the country. Since 1994, more than 775,000 Americans have provided more than 1 billion hours of service to their communities and country through AmeriCorps. Among other accomplishments, AmeriCorps members last year mobilized 3.4 million community volunteers, and tutored, mentored or served more than 3.5 million disadvantaged youth. Interested individuals can learn about available opportunities and apply online by visiting AmeriCorps.gov.