Rep. Jim Clyburn Announces Funding for 173 Americorps Positions

The office of Rep. James Clyburn (D-6) announced that local initiatives will receive more than $1 million in funding for AmeriCorps projects via the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).  

City Year in Columbia will receive $312,000 to fund 24 positions. The program provides academic services to at-risk students in Columbia and Lexington. 

WINGS for Kids in Charleston will receive two AmeriCorps grants. The first is $201,600 to fund 57 positions that will work with students to decrease disciplinary actions and improve attendance in public schools. 

WINGS will also receive $496,647 to fund 92 positions that will implement the WINGS social and emotional learning curriculum, lead activities and facility discussions to help children better improve their performance in school. 

“As a former teacher and leader of the Neighborhood Youth Corps, I believe strongly in getting young people involved in community service,” Clyburn said.  “These AmeriCorps programs meet local needs and strengthen our communities while teaching the Corps members valuable leadership skills.  I fully support the work of City Year and WINGS for Kids, and congratulate them on winning these grants and providing such extraordinary service to their respective communities.” 

Participating workers in the AmeriCorps program receive an education award of $5,550 that can be used to pay for college or to pay off student loans.

AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet critical needs. Its members serve through thousands of nonprofit and faith-based organizations in rural and urban communities throughout the nation. Areas of emphasis are: education, fostering economic opportunity, preparing for and responding to disasters, improving health, meeting environmental and energy efficiency needs, and assisting veterans and military families.

For more on AmeriCorps click HERE.

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