Founded in 1994, AmeriCorps falls under the umbrella of the Corporation for National and Community Service. States are allocated resources to target specific issues unique and relevant to that state. In Arizona, the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith, and Family oversee the AmeriCorps State program, expanding volunteer opportunities. The Arizona Serve State team currently includes 20 State members serving in Prescott and 57 State members serving in Tucson.
Over the past year, our AmeriCorps State team has:
- Recruited and coordinated 1,550 community volunteers contributing over 11,000 hours.
- Helped 2,100 disadvantaged youth gain early literacy skills and services.
- Improved the academic engagement of 1,600 students and helped 700 high school seniors enter college.
- Provided housing services and resources for over 880 individuals.
- Launched a student ambassador program funded by the United Way of Yavapai County.
- Received a grant to launch a new Public Health Corps in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control.
These members provide direct services or help build capacity for agencies serving low-income populations. Many of our members leverage their service-learning opportunities to support education programs that ensure students are reading and writing proficiently by third grade, have the supports to stay engaged in school, and are ready for college and a career. Still, others provide food assistance, nutrition education, and community gardening education. Our members also connect low-income youth with employment options, promote financial literacy, and ensure vulnerable populations have access to safe and affordable housing.