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Michigan lands $25 million AmeriCorps investment for communities
Janis Reeser
| Port Huron Times Herald
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Michigan will receive a combined $25 million investment through AmeriCorps funding and matching contributions to support nearly 950 service members working on education, health, public safety, environmental stewardship and other community needs across the state.
The Michigan Community Service Commission announced the funding package, which includes $14.8 million from AmeriCorps and an additional $10.2 million in matching support from foundations, private-sector partners and other sources, according to a community announcement.
State officials said in the announcement that the funding will help AmeriCorps members address challenges tied to disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, health and public safety.
“AmeriCorps members continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact on some of Michigan’s most pressing challenges,” Michigan Community Service Commission Chairman Robert Kolt said in the announcement. “Their service will foster civic engagement, improve lives and help build a more resilient state. At the same time, AmeriCorps members will gain valuable experience and skills they can carry into Michigan’s workforce.”
Funding will support 20 Michigan organizations
The investment will support 22 program subgrants and three planning grants distributed among 20 organizations across Michigan communities.
Organizations receiving funding include:
Albion College
At Bat Inc.
Child & Family Services of Northwestern MI
City of Ann Arbor
City Year
Community Economic Development Association of MI
Crim Fitness Foundation
Family Scholar House
Ferris Wheel Innovation Center, doing business as 100K Ideas
Hannan Center
Hope Network
Ingham County
Kids Food Basket
MI Afterschool Association
MI College Access Network
MI State University
Teach for America
United Way of Genesee County
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives
Wayne State University
According to the announcement, the grants are intended to expand the organizations’ reach and community impact throughout the state.
Service programs reached thousands in Michigan
During the most recent program year, AmeriCorps participants served 61,100 young people through education initiatives, helped nearly 1,100 individuals with financial and job-readiness support and provided health services to more than 5,000 people.
Members also delivered environmental stewardship education to 1,800 people while supporting a variety of additional community programs, according to the announcement.
AmeriCorps will also provide an additional $4.6 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards. Individuals who complete a full-time term of service are eligible for a $7,395 education award, while those serving fewer hours may receive a prorated amount. The awards can be used for higher education expenses or to repay student loans.
Albion College program among recipients
The new investment builds on previous AmeriCorps support in Michigan, including $1.5 million awarded to the Albion College AmeriCorps program since 2020.
“Last year AmeriCorps funding enabled more than 75 Albion College students to put their education into action by serving alongside local schools, nonprofits and community organizations,” Albion College AmeriCorps Director Lindsey Knowlden said in the announcement. “With renewed funding for the coming year, our AmeriCorps members will continue supporting programs that families across Albion rely on, from helping children build math skills and supporting older adults as they navigate technology to growing and distributing fresh food. This investment expands the capacity of our community partners while empowering students to develop leadership and professional skills, discover the profound impact they can have beyond the classroom, and deepen their commitment to serving their communities.”
More information about Michigan’s AmeriCorps programs is available at michigan.gov.
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