National-Service Agency Discusses Plans for AmeriCorps Stimulus Money

The Corporation for National and Community Service held a conference call today to explain its plans for spending the $201-million it was allocated in the economic-stimulus plan that was signed by President Obama this week.

Most of the money ($154-million) was earmarked to expand or strengthen AmeriCorps, a program that places people in part-time or full-time positions at nonprofit groups for 10 or 12 months. The legislation provides another $40-million for the National Service Trust, an account that pays for the education grants that are awarded to people who complete their AmeriCorps service; $6-million for technology upgrades at the federal agency; and $1-million for the agency’s inspector general.

Kristin McSwain, chief of program operations at the corporation, told listeners that officials were contemplating focusing the new AmeriCorps money in areas like housing (winterizing, access to housing); health care (services and access); strengthening nonprofit groups; and youth development.

She also discussed plans to find ways to demonstrate that AmeriCorps makes a difference.

To listen to a recording of the conference call, see the corporation’s new Web page devoted to news about the stimulus money.