TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Volunteer Florida announced $22.5 million in AmeriCorps funding to support national service programs strengthening communities and expanding the impact of service across Florida. The investment will support 38 organizations and engage 1,741 AmeriCorps Volunteers who will serve in 31 counties throughout the state.
Administered by Volunteer Florida, the funding will support organizations working across a range of focus areas, including education, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, disaster services and other critical community needs. Through their service, AmeriCorps Volunteers will help strengthen Florida communities while gaining valuable hands-on experience, developing professional skills and building pathways to future careers.
“AmeriCorps members make a meaningful difference in communities across our state every day,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “This $22.5 million investment allows Volunteer Florida and our outstanding partners to continue addressing critical needs while providing more than 1,700 individuals with the opportunity to serve, grow as leaders and make a lasting impact. We are proud to support these organizations and look forward to seeing the tremendous impact their service will have throughout Florida in the year ahead.”
In addition to gaining valuable professional and leadership experience, AmeriCorps Volunteers who successfully complete their service may earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. This year’s AmeriCorps investment represents approximately $7.55 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards, which can be used to help pay for eligible higher education expenses or repay qualified student loans.
Funding has been awarded to the following 38 Florida partners:
■ Achieve Miami ■ Ampact ■ Boys & Girls Club of Martin County ■ Boys & Girls Club of North Central Florida ■ Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida ■ Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County ■ Branches ■ Breakthrough Miami ■ Broward College ■ Centro Campesino ■ City of Orlando ■ City of Tampa ■ City Year Jacksonville ■ City Year Miami ■ City Year Orlando ■ Communities in Schools of Jacksonville ■ Community Training Works ■ Firewall Centers ■ Florida DEP—Florida State Parks ■ Florida Department of Juvenile Justice ■ Goodwill Industries of South Florida ■ Greater Miami Service Corps ■ HANDY ■ Hispanic Unity of Florida ■ Lead for America ■ Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida ■ Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County ■ Overtown Youth Center ■ Palm Beach State College ■ Polk Education Foundation ■ Protential Foundation ■ READ USA ■ SailFuture ■ Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay ■ Springfield Preservation & Revitalization (SPAR) Council ■ Teach For America ■ University of Florida—Gator Corps ■ University of North Florida
AmeriCorps State and National is a federal-state partnership that works with governor appointed state service commissions, including Volunteer Florida, to address locally identified needs through national service. AmeriCorps grants allow organizations to recruit, train and support AmeriCorps Volunteers serving communities in areas such as education, disaster services, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity and support for veterans and military families.
Individuals interested in serving with AmeriCorps in Florida can learn more and search available service opportunities at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.
About Volunteer Florida
Volunteer Florida is Florida’s official statewide agency for volunteerism and national service, receiving more than $92 million in federal and state funding to support national service and volunteer programs across the state. The agency administers AmeriCorps programs throughout Florida, promotes volunteerism and community service, and coordinates volunteers and donations before, during and after disasters. To learn more, visit www.volunteerflorida.org.
