Philly Leader

Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced that $17.5 million in funding will be used to support 26 AmeriCorps programs that will help 1,370 members in community service work.

The funds are through PennSERVE, and the $17.5 million is the most in Pennsylvania history; a press release from Wolf's office said. PennServe is the commonwealth’s grantmaking partner of AmeriCorps and is a department of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. AmeriCorps is the top federal agency for service and volunteerism in the nation.

PennSERVE is designed to implement state-specific national service programs that align with the governor's commitment to connecting people and organizations through volunteerism and service. This year there are five new AmeriCorps programs and a new planning grant.

“AmeriCorps programs meet real-life needs all across Pennsylvania and its members are among the very best of our youth, offering their compassion, talents and hard work to better our communities,” Wolf said in the release. “I am proud of the work that PennSERVE does in prioritizing initiatives focused on education, health, economic opportunity and technology access.”

There are a variety of different projects that will benefit from the funds, the release said. One example is AmeriCorps Digital Service Fellows, a partnership in the Philadelphia school district that will have 24 AmeriCorps members providing computer science tutoring and mentoring to address digital literacy skill gaps. The project is focused on girls, students of color and low-income students. 

Another example is City Year Greater Philadelphia, which will have 215 full-time AmeriCorps members providing full-day education for students in 18 public schools across Philadelphia.

“Through the talent and skills of their members, AmeriCorps programs make real differences in the lives of their neighbors through programs that tackle true challenges,” Jennifer Berrier, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) secretary, said in the release. "They educate community members in digital literacy, clean up local parks, assist with COVID-19 response efforts and coordinate after-school and summer activities for underserved and low-income student populations – to name a few examples. AmeriCorps members truly bring out the best in Pennsylvania, giving their time, talents and energy to make certain help is available whenever and wherever it is needed.”

Full-time members of AmeriCorps receive benefits such as health care and a living allowance. Upon completion of service terms, they receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to repay student loans and pay educational expenses for various higher education and training programs.

“With this funding, PennSERVE will leverage the essential skills and experience of AmeriCorps members to strengthen Pennsylvania communities,” Maureen Eccleston, PennSERVE’s executive director, said in the release. “These AmeriCorps members gain valuable professional skills while they provide tutoring and mentoring, provide job skills and financial literacy training, improve public lands and waterways, and support veterans and military families. We’re thrilled to make these opportunities available to build workforce skills of AmeriCorps members while they contribute to our commonwealth.”