Springfield Republican: US Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey announce $32 million in AmeriCorps funding for Massachusetts
By Robert Rizzuto
May 7, 2014
WASHINGTON - Both U.S. Senators from Massachusetts on Wednesday announced the Bay State would receive more than $32 million in AmeriCorps funding which is expected to place nearly 7,000 people with 18 different organizations across the commonwealth.
A combination of Corporation for National and Community Service grants totaling $32,933,000 were slated by Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey to assist AmeriCorps member groups tackling a range of issues from early childhood education to job-readiness and environmental conservation.
"AmeriCorps is an outstanding program that gives young people a chance to serve our country and strengthen our communities," Warren said in a statement. "I'm proud Massachusetts is a national leader in service, and I am very pleased these new grants will help thousands of committed AmeriCorps members continue their terrific work at nonprofits, schools, and other organizations across the Commonwealth and nation."
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Twelve grants totaling $7.9 million are going to support organizations operating in Massachusetts only, including: Massachusetts Lands Initiative for Tomorrow (MassLIFT), AmeriCorps Cape Cod, Citizen Schools Massachusetts, Boston Promise Corps, City Year Boston, JumpStart Massachusetts, YouthBuild Just-A-Start AmeriCorps Program, Massachusetts Promise Fellowship Program, Springfield College School Turnaround AmeriCorps, Tenacity Corps/Enabling Academic Engagement, Ambassadors in Mentoring, and New American Integration Program.
The Springfield-based program places AmeriCorps volunteers in city schools to help at-risk students improve attendance, boost academic achievement in literacy and math, contribute to their behavioral/social-emotional health, and increase academic engagement.
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In a highly-competitive grant cycle, Massachusetts won a significant amount of AmeriCorps money as investments in economic opportunity, education, veterans and military families and disaster services were prioritized.
"AmeriCorps members make a powerful impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation," said CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer in a statement. "Building on Massachusetts's strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps members will improve lives and strengthen communities across the commonwealth of Massachusetts. As we mark the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps, we salute AmeriCorps members for their dedication, and thank our outstanding partners who make their service possible."
Spencer noted that with federal grants going to the aforementioned programs also comes private sector funding which in this case is expected to "leverage an additional $97,987,676."
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