What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is National Service

AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connect more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.

The 1990's saw a resurgence of interest in national service under President Bush, who developed the Commission on National and Community Service and created the Daily Points of Light Awards. In 1993, President Clinton signed the National Community Service Trust Act creating the Corporation for National Service (CNS) and AmeriCorps. The CNS now operate three streams of national service: AmeriCorps (which includes the National Civilian Community Corps and *VISTA), the National Senior Service Corps, and Learn and Serve America.

In 2004-2005, over 1,500 Washington AmeriCorps members served in 44 education, environmental, public safety, and human needs programs in 38 counties across the state, all of which were funded by Washington Commission for National and Community Service (WCNCS). Members make a lasting difference by “getting things done” while promoting the values of community, personal responsibility, and opportunity.

Related Sites

AmeriCorps in Federal Way: Established in 1995, the Federal Way AmeriCorps program works to strengthen the Federal Way community through academic tutoring and modeling an ethic of service.

AmeriCorps members in Federal Way serve full time in the Federal Way Public Schools. In addition to tutoring students and developing before and after school programs, members manage two community tutoring programs, implement civic engagement community projects and serve in area service projects. AmeriCorps members also recruit and train community volunteers.

Washington Service Corps (WSC): This organization, part of the Washington State Employment Security Department, is the funding organization for many AmeriCorps programs in Washington State. This site will also provide links to other AmeriCorps programs.

Washington State Commission for National and Community Service (WCNCS): This organization oversees and administers AmeriCorps programs throughout the state. Links to other AmeriCorps programs can be found here.The Washington commission for National and community Service (WCNCS) was created in 1994 to implement national service initiatives, provide training and technical assistance, evaluate programs, and leverage federal funds with local, state, and private sector resources.

Corporation for National Service: The Corporation for National Service receives annual appropriations from Congress to administer all of the national service programs. Its mission is to engage citizens of all ages and backgrounds in voluntary service to meet critical community needs related to education, human needs, public safety, and the environment. By doing so, it promotes the ethic of citizen service while strengthening the sense of community and the traditions that bind us together as a nation.

AmeriCorps Northwest: AmeriCorps opportunities in Oregon and Washington.

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