WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and a group of colleagues introduced a resolution in celebration of AmeriCorps Week, which runs March 9-15. Founded more than 30 years ago to increase national service opportunities while providing a pathway to education, AmeriCorps members come from all backgrounds and walks of life to engage in meaningful service for others.

“More than one million AmeriCorps members have committed themselves to making a positive impact on our nation for over three decades,” said Senator Coons. “This week, we celebrate their efforts to mentor students, address food insecurity, improve public health, respond to disasters, protect our planet, and support local communities across the country. As Co-Chair of the National Service Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues to strengthen national service, and I encourage all those contemplating service to consider AmeriCorps as a way to make impactful change.”

“AmeriCorps members dedicate their lives to others. They empower students, support veterans, and build stronger communities,” said Senator Cassidy. “This can’t go unnoticed.”

“AmeriCorps works for America every day of the year,” said Jennifer Bastress Tahmasebi, Interim Agency Head, AmeriCorps. “Every single day, Americans of all ages dedicate their time to strengthening their communities and our nation as a whole. Whether they are building homes, feeding their neighbors, responding to disasters, or tutoring and mentoring students, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers work alongside people from all walks of life to get the job done. We are thankful for those who serve and go on to be tomorrow’s leaders and public servants get their start.”

Senator Coons and Senator Cassidy are co-Chairs of the National Service Caucus. The resolution was also cosponsored by National Service Caucus Vice Chair Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).

AmeriCorps by the numbers, nationally:

  • 200,000 members and volunteers in more than 2,000 organizations dedicated to strengthening their communities in 2024.
  • 245,000 veterans and military families connected to education opportunities, jobs, and benefits they have earned.
  • 310,000 elderly Americans provided with independent living services.
  • $4.8 billion earned in education awards by AmeriCorps members since 1994.

AmeriCorps by the numbers in Delaware:

  • $9.1 million in AmeriCorps investment, including more than $6.6 million in federal funding.
  • 220 service locations and 1,322 members of all ages and backgrounds united to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity in Delaware.
  • 5.7 million hours worked and more than $14.9 million in education awards earned by more than 3,900 Delaware residents since 1994.
  • $5.9 million in education award payments to higher education institutions and other organizations in Delaware.