NH Delegation Announces Over $4M for NH AmeriCorps Programs
(Manchester, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced that New Hampshire has received $4,698,138 to bolster AmeriCorps programs throughout the state. The funding is provided by both AmeriCorps’ annual funding and the American Rescue Plan. Specifically, this funding will support programs managed by City Year, Inc., For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Student Conservation Association. Additional details are available here.
“I’m excited to see these federal dollars put to good use in New Hampshire, investing in STEM education, supporting survivors of domestic violence and prioritizing sustainable solutions for our environment. And that’s just the beginning,” said Senator Shaheen. “AmeriCorps programs provide an array of services throughout the state by addressing a broad scope of challenges, which is why ensuring it is fully funded every year is always a top priority for me. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ll continue to keep its programing and the needs it provides to New Hampshire top of mind as we prepare to write next year’s government funding legislation.”
“This vital federal funding will help AmeriCorps members in New Hampshire continue to strengthen our communities through their work to support our young people in and out of the classroom, assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and protect our environment,” said Senator Hassan. “I am pleased to announce this latest funding, and I will continue to work with the NH Delegation to secure critical support for AmeriCorps programs in our state.”
“AmeriCorps volunteers here in New Hampshire provide critical support for our communities, especially as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I’m pleased to see more than $4.6 million in federal funding heading to our state to support the important work of AmeriCorps members and lift up our communities. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these resources for New Hampshire and I will continue working to support service programs like AmeriCorps.”
“AmeriCorps fosters a strong spirit of public service in younger generations and plays an instrumental role in improving the lives of Granite Staters,” said Congressman Pappas. “These grants will support volunteers who engage in vital work like environmental conservation, education, and more across New Hampshire. I’m pleased to see these funds will expand AmeriCorps programs, spur economic growth, and strengthen civic engagement in our community.”
Senator Shaheen is a strong supporter of national service programs. In May 2020, Shaheen introduced the Pandemic Response and Opportunity Through National Service Act, legislation that would fund 750,000 national service positions over a three-year response and recovery period, in part to meet the projected need for as many as 300,000 public health workers. Shaheen has also cosponsored legislation that would provide tax relief for AmeriCorps members who earn federal Segal Education Awards. Last year, the New Hampshire delegation announced a series of grant awards for AmeriCorps programs throughout the state, which are available here, here and here. The delegation-backed American Rescue Plan included $1 billion in funding for AmeriCorps.
