AmeriCorps is a national service organization that aims to strengthen United States communities. It works with many other local and national organizations to address a variety of educational, environmental, human, and safety concerns. Every year, AmeriCorps volunteers participate in diverse programs all over the country. President Bill Clinton and Congress launched the organization in 1993.
AmeriCorps programs can be either full- or part-time and usually last from 10 months to a year. To qualify for service, a person must be a United States citizen and at least 17 years old. Opportunities typically include tutoring children, assisting crime victims, cleaning up cities, building affordable housing, and providing computer access to disadvantaged communities. At the end of each program, participants receive education awards that can be used to pay for college tuition or past student loans.
AmeriCorps is coordinated by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which was established by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The first class of AmeriCorps members began service in 1994. VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) and NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) are two AmeriCorps programs.
