AmeriCorps Works

A New Generation of Evidence Building

AmeriCorps empowers individuals to address local needs and strengthen their communities. National service provides individuals the opportunity and experience needed to actively participate in community life both personally and professionally. AmeriCorps projects across the country are results-driven and are a reminder that despite every community having unique challenges, we offer effective national service solutions to address them. As we approach the start of AmeriCorps Week in March, let’s celebrate the evidence we have for our lasting impacts on civic life in America.

In service,
Mary Hyde, Ph.D., Director,
Office of Research and Evaluation

The AmeriCorps Return on Investment

AmeriCorps is an investment in individuals and communities that provides a return on investment for the country. The Office of Research and Evaluation’s studies produce an estimate of the return on investment of AmeriCorps programs in terms of dollar-for-dollar value generated and taxpayer savings. For instance, the Community Technology Empowerment Project, which supports individual development of technology and workforce skills, generates substantial return on investment. Per federal dollar spent, between $4.58 and $53.20 in benefits flow to individuals, communities, and government. For the federal government, each federal dollar brings a return of between $1.30 to $11.60 directly to the federal government in the form of additional tax revenue and other savings.

Explore our return on investment studies to learn more about this and almost two dozen other studies.

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Sustained Enthusiasm: Findings from the AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey

The majority of AmeriCorps members have positive experiences during their service according to an analysis of data from 2019, 2021, and 2023. This data comes from the AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey and captures members’ attitudes towards their service experiences upon exiting AmeriCorps. Comparing Member Exit Survey data across these years also suggests that AmeriCorps members are increasingly joining AmeriCorps to gain skills and experience before going to college.

Explore the findings and learn more about members’ service experiences.

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Webinar: Addressing Homeless and Housing Insecurity Through National Service

Join the AmeriCorps Office of Research and Evaluation on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m. ET as we highlight national service in Kentucky and the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky's work to create pathways to housing and homeownership for Kentucky citizens. We will also highlight a return on investment study focused on the AmeriCorps grantee, Homes for All AmeriCorps, that found a positive return for every funder dollar invested in Homes for All.

Register

Learning from Evidence and Research on National Service

AmeriCorps strives to make a lasting impact on its Ecosystem of Impact — that’s its participants, partners, communities, society, and our organizational culture. Explore the AmeriCorps LEARNS page to learn more about the evidence on our impact across those five areas.

Explore AmeriCorps LEARNS

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