Federal AmeriCorps dollars will place 3,000 members in service throughout Minnesota.
MINNEAPOLIS – September 3, 2024 – ServeMinnesota has received $53,712,767 in grants for Minnesota to benefit from AmeriCorps, a network of community service opportunities nationwide. ServeMinnesota is the state commission which administers the funds to 20 programs statewide, including three new programs this year. Through the competitive grant process, Minnesota received the most federal dollars of all states.
The funding will support nearly 3,000 AmeriCorps members in Minnesota who will partner with nonprofit, community, and faith-based organizations across the state. Members will support their communities in the areas of education, health, affordable housing, job skills training, energy efficiency, and environmental conservation.
ServeMinnesota is committed to excellence and innovation in program design, as demonstrated by its use of rigorous evaluation and evidence-based approaches. Last year, ServeMinnesota received national recognition with the Innovation in AmeriCorps Programming award at the Commission Innovation Awards hosted by America’s Service Commissions (ASC), an association of 52 state and territory commissions. “ServeMinnesota leads the nation in developing and implementing effective AmeriCorps programs that are making a big impact on issues we care about. We are constantly evaluating how to maximize this investment in communities across our state, tapping into the passion and energy Minnesotans have to take action and support each other,” said ServeMinnesota CEO Julia Quanrud.
Many programs are now accepting applications for the 2024-25 program year. Those interested in joining AmeriCorps can learn more at orkexpo.net/join.
New programs:
- Ecolibrium3 – expanding the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to reduce poverty and build community resilience, sustainability, and equity in the Northland. ($437,495)
- TFA Twin Cities – teaching in low-income schools for at least two years, coupled with professional support on the path to teaching licensure. (Education award only)
- Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) – developing leadership skills and mentoring men of color on their path to college. ($540,000)
Continuing programs:
- Breakthrough Twin Cities – engaging youth in learning and college preparedness through the summer months with a goal of college access. ($342,677)
- College Possible – bridging the opportunity gap to help low-income and first-generation high school and college students to access and succeed in higher education. ($1,874,863)
- Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) – teaching youth and adults how to use technology to access civic, educational, and economic opportunities. ($696,380)
- Conservation Corps Minnesota – youth and young adults carrying out natural resource management and renewable energy activities. ($1,350,000)
- MN Energy Climate Corps – in crews, youth and young adults completing impactful energy efficiency projects. ($1,620,000)
- Climate Impact Corps – helping communities protect and preserve the environment by expanding the urban canopy, improving home energy efficiency, and leading community action. ($2,700,000)
- Minnesota Alliance With Youth – Promise Fellows – keeping youth engaged in learning by providing in- and out-of-school supports to 6th-12th graders at risk of dropping out.
- Minnesota GreenCorps – improving Minnesota’s environment while gaining experience and a network for careers in the field. ($998,859)
- Minnesota Math Corps, Minnesota Reading Corps, and Early Learning Corps – evidence-based tutoring to support students PreK-grade 8 in building math and reading skills. ($26,949,000)
- Minnesota Recovery Corps – supporting individuals in sustaining their recovery from substance use disorders and building capacity in organizations to deliver greater impact. ($3,125,000)
- Resettlement Corps – welcoming immigrants, refugees, and newcomers to Minnesota and supporting their long-term resettlement. ($945,000)
- Total Learning Classroom – building capacity in schools to deliver equitable support in classrooms with a focus on literacy. ($1,674,400)
- Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity – building, rehabbing, and repairing homes in partnership with community volunteers and low-income families in the Twin Cities. ($612,500)
- True North AmeriCorps – providing academic, social, and emotional support to youth in the Duluth area. ($577,280)
Through a second competition, Minnesota received funding for two continuing programs with Public Health AmeriCorps. This is a collaborative project between AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control.
- Heading Home Corps – engaging a team of Housing Resource Navigators to help individuals secure safe and stable housing. ($2,700,000)
- Minnesota Public Health Corps – increasing the capacity of the public health system through community engagement, data collection, volunteer management, and more. ($4,050,000)
AmeriCorps will provide an additional $17.2 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the AmeriCorps members funded by these grants. After completing a full term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an award of up to $7,395 that they can use to pay for college or to pay off student loans. Members age 55+ can transfer the award to their child, step-, grand-, or foster-child.
As the federal agency for volunteering and service, AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle the county’s most pressing challenges. Since the agency’s inception in 1994, nearly 1.2 million AmeriCorps members have served the nation.
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About ServeMinnesota
ServeMinnesota blends service and science to accelerate positive social change. Each year, thousands of individuals commit to transformative AmeriCorps service opportunities focused on improving the lives of Minnesotans through education, affordable housing, employment, the environment, and health. These AmeriCorps members translate research on what works into on-the-ground implementation. Two of ServeMinnesota’s strategic initiatives, Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps, demonstrate speed to implementation in their work to close the opportunity gap and help struggling students become successful learners. By leveraging federal dollars, building strong community partnerships, and continually improving programs, ServeMinnesota ensures national service is positioned to make meaningful contributions to our state. For more information, visit qu3d.orkexpo.net.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
