Press Release: Serve Wisconsin Announces $2.5 Million in AmeriCorps Funding for Madison and Wisconsin Dells AmeriCorps Programs

[Madison, WI] - Serve Wisconsin proudly announces that Wisconsin received $12.8 million in grant funding from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and community volunteerism, to support 29 AmeriCorps programs and planning grants across the state. Included within those funds is $2,506,001 in AmeriCorps funding for four AmeriCorps programs serving exclusively in Dane and Columbia counties and three additional programs that are based locally and whose members serve across the state. The funding will also support planning grants for two additional organizations to develop programs that will begin serving these communities in 2025

"This funding will put 875 AmeriCorps members on the ground at over 200 service sites throughout the state, including 156 AmeriCorps members with the eight AmeriCorps programs based in Dane and Columbia counties, to help make a difference and improve the lives of people across Wisconsin," said Jeanne Duffy, Executive Director of Serve Wisconsin.

"As AmeriCorps celebrates the 30th anniversary of its first members serving across the nation and here in Wisconsin, we look forward to our new AmeriCorps members continuing and expanding the service legacy of those that have served before them. They will build upon the previous service of over 31,000 Wisconsin AmeriCorps members, whose combined efforts amount to an astonishing 47 million service hours and have undeniably and positively shaped the lives of Wisconsin's citizens," Duffy continued. "Throughout their service, these new AmeriCorps members will help tackle some of our toughest problems by addressing the achievement gap and educational challenges, public health and healthcare access, opioid and substance abuse, economic opportunity and housing availability, conservation and environmental sustainability, and other concerns impacting communities across the state."

Governor Evers described the impact AmeriCorps members and programs have in Wisconsin when addressing over 200 AmeriCorps members in May at the Governor's Service Awards when he stated that "the success of our state has always relied on the service and sacrifice of individuals and organizations like yourselves. AmeriCorps has served Wisconsinites well over the past three decades, and for that, we are very grateful. As AmeriCorps members, you truly embody what we mean in Wisconsin when we say that we value helping our fellow neighbors."

The federal funding will support the following AmeriCorps programs based in Dane and Columbia counties:

Dane County Department of Human Services - Partners for After School Success  21 AmeriCorps members will be placed in predominately low-income or resource-scarce communities to enhance the academic achievement and school engagement of middle and high school youth through positive relationships, academic coaching and tutoring, extended learning programs, and volunteer service.

Easterseals Wisconsin  25 AmeriCorps members will provide intensive personal care and lead or facilitate therapeutic recreation activities for individuals with disabilities and their families at Camp Wawbeek and Respite Camp. AmeriCorps members also provide therapeutic recreation activities at Veteran Family Camps for veterans and their families.

United Way of Dane County - Achievement Connections  15 AmeriCorps members will tutor high school students in math and leverage additional volunteers to provide tutoring to increase the number of students who pass Algebra by 10th grade.

United Way of Dane County - Schools of Hope AmeriCorps Project  16 AmeriCorps members will serve as literacy tutors and tutor coordinators in high-need elementary schools, working with staff to increase students' literacy skills in kindergarten through 5th grade.

University of Wisconsin System - Wisconsin 4-H Expanding Access  45 AmeriCorps members will be placed throughout the state in partnership with county-based youth development professionals to design and implement community-based, highly effective, and evidenced-based youth development programming to assist youth in underrepresented and underserved communities.

Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services  17 AmeriCorps members will meet the immediate needs of youth experiencing homelessness in communities across Wisconsin by connecting them with supportive services, shelter, and basic needs. Activities include outreach, shelter support, crisis management, and response to community referrals.

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Farm to School 18 AmeriCorps members will build healthy communities across the state by improving child nutrition through educational farm to school activities for students and families, connecting schools with local farmers and food businesses, and increasing the capacity of communities to support sustainable programs to encourage healthy behaviors and improve the school food environment.

Additionally, the following organizations received a planning grant to develop a new program or expand an existing program, which are expected to begin in the Fall of 2025

Improve Your Tomorrow AmeriCorps members will serve as College Access Mentors providing academic support and mentorship to young men of color in grades 7-12 along their path to high school graduation and entry into college.

Operation Fresh Start AmeriCorps members will complete conservation projects in Dane County that will improve public land, manage habitats, build or maintain trails, plant trees, and complete other projects with a focus on members receiving training for future employment in green industry trades.

AmeriCorps members make a critical difference through their service by educating students for the 21st century workforce, supporting veterans and military families, completing conservation projects, tackling the opioid epidemic, promoting economic opportunity in our communities, helping people to live healthier lives, and making their local communities stronger. Additionally, they have played a critical role in helping communities throughout the United States recover from flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and other national disasters.

Every year, roughly 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve across the country at thousands of nonprofit, community, and faith-based organizations. Since 1994, AmeriCorps members have provided more than 1.8 billion hours of service and earned nearly $4 billion in education awards to pay for college or pay back student loans. Included within those numbers are the more than 31,000 Wisconsin residents who have served approximately 47 million hours and earned education awards totaling more than $120.6 million. Additionally, Wisconsin higher education institutions and applicable organizations have received more than $268.7 million in education award payments since 1994. Those interested in serving can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/join.

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Serve Wisconsin works with AmeriCorps programs throughout the state of Wisconsin to address human, educational, environmental, public safety and homeland security needs. AmeriCorps members are given the opportunity to enrich the lives of the people and communities they serve and their own lives through professional and personal development. Serve Wisconsin is governed by 21-member citizen body appointed by Governor Evers. For more information visit https://servewisconsin.wi.gov.

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at https://americorps.gov/.