University News
Serve Illinois Commission Announces $15.6 Million for AmeriCorps Programs
September 4, 2015
MACOMB, IL - On Thursday, Sept. 3, the state of Illinois released AmeriCorps funding information for the upcoming year. The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service announced $8.6 million in Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) federal grants will be available to enable 1,682 volunteers in 28 AmeriCorps programs to better serve Illinois communities. An additional $7 million will be available for college education awards.
According to the Serve Illinois: Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service website, these federal grants will be used for services in Illinois, including tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth, preparing communities to respond effectively to emergencies, feeding those in need, and improving youth and adult literacy. The Serve Illinois Commission, a part of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), administers the AmeriCorps programs in Illinois.
Likewise, the program will be hosting a day of service and a variety of remembrance service projects Sept. 7-11 to honor the 14th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.
A full list of Sept. 11 service projects is available at http://www2.illinois.gov/serve/Pages/911.aspx.
"When communities volunteer, we see an increase in economic strength and education, and a decrease in crime," said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah. "Illinois is fortunate to have hundreds of volunteers who donate their time and talents to help turnaround troubled areas and strengthen Illinois one community at a time."
AmeriCorps members dedicate a year to helping communities meet their unmet economic, education, health, public safety or environmental needs. Members receive a modest living allowance, student loan deferment, and training. Members who successfully complete their service receive an educational award of up to $5,730 to help pay for college, graduate school, vocational training or to pay off student loans.
To access more information about Serve Illinois: Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, visit www2.illinois.gov/serve/Pages/release0932015.aspx.
Posted By: Caitlin Meyers (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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