U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government
        Here’s how you know
    Goverment symbol**Official websites use .gov**
            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
        Lock symbol**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
            A lock (
              A locked padlock
                 ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive
              information only on official, secure websites.
 Skip to main content JoinDonate
    About
    About
          About
        
About menu block one
  

        
        What We Do
                Our Impact
                Agency FAQs
About menu block two
  

        
        Our Team
                Careers
About menu block three
  

        
        Agency Overview
                            Budget and Performance Plans
                Disability and Accessibility
                Federal Register Notices
                Open Government
                Plain Writing
                Privacy Policy
                Strategic Plan

  

  
Serve
    Serve
          Serve
        
Serve menu block one
  

        
        AmeriCorps
                            AmeriCorps NCCC
                AmeriCorps State and National
                AmeriCorps VISTA
                AmeriCorps Seniors
                            AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program
                AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP
                AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program
Serve menu block two
  

        
        Volunteer
                            9/11 Day
                MLK Day
Serve menu block three
  

        
        Find Your Fit
                Serve FAQs

  

  
Partner
    Partner
          Partner
        
Partner menu block one
  

        
        How it Works
                            AmeriCorps NCCC
                AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent
                AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP
                AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion
                AmeriCorps State and National
                AmeriCorps VISTA
                Research and Evaluation
                Volunteer Generation Fund
Partner menu block two
  

        
        Partnerships
                Communities and Initiatives
                Funding Opportunities
Partner menu block three
  

        
        Partner FAQs

  

  
Members & Volunteers
    Members & Volunteers
          Members & Volunteers
        
Members & Volunteers menu block one
  

        
        Your Benefits
                Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
                Education Award FAQs
Members & Volunteers menu block two
  

        
        Alumni
                Members in VISTA
Members & Volunteers menu block three
  

        
        Member and Volunteer FAQs
                Safety and Security

  

  
Grantees & Sponsors
    Grantees & Sponsors
          Grantees & Sponsors
        
Grantee & Sponsors menu block one
  

        
        State Service Commissions
                State and National Direct Grantees
                State Subgrantees
                VISTA Sponsors
                Research and Evaluation Grantees
                Volunteer Generation Fund and Days of Service Grantees
Grantee & Sponsors menu block two
  

        
        RSVP Grantees
                Foster Grandparent Program Grantees
                Senior Companion Program Grantees
                Senior Demonstration Program Grantees
                NCCC Project Sponsors
Grantee & Sponsors menu block three
  

        
        Manage Your Grant
                Grantee and Sponsor FAQs

  

  
Newsroom
    Newsroom
          Newsroom
        
Newsroom menu block one
  

        
        News
                Blog
Newsroom menu block two
  

        
        Stories
                Events
Newsroom menu block three
  

        
        In the News
                Communication Resources



  
Contact
    Contact
    JoinDonate
search Breadcrumb
    Newsroom

              AmeriCorps CEO Announces Millions in Grant Awards, Inspires Youth Leaders and Celebrates Local Volunteers
      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:May 31, 2023
  

                    *Michael D. Smith joined AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving in Florida, Texas, New York, New Jersey and Delaware during May 2023*

WASHINGTON, DC— AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith traveled to five states during the month of May, meeting and speaking with AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, local service leaders, and elected officials supporting multiple programs and initiatives.

More than 58,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps volunteers serve in approximately 6,000 locations across the five states Smith visited in May.

**On May 2**, Smith attended and spoke at the 117th **Boys & Girls Club of America**’s national conference in Orlando, with its focus on “Forward! United for America’s Youth.”

“It’s an honor to speak at the 117th National Conference, especially since I was once a young boy attending the Family Center Boys & Girls Club in Massachusetts,” **Smith said**. “Boys & Girls Club of America opens the doors of opportunity for millions of children like me. And this couldn’t be done without the power of service—the volunteers that ensure Boys & Girls Club organizations like them have the support and resources they need to be successful and change the lives of those they serve.”

**On May 11**, Smith joined former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the **City Year New York** Gala 20th anniversary celebration. The event hosted multiple change makers and service leaders, honoring Clinton and Dr. John King, Chancellor of the State University of New York.

“Secretary Clinton delivered inspiring remarks, reflecting how her and President Bill Clinton’s early impression of City Year in the ‘90s planted the seeds for AmeriCorps to come into existence and signed into law,” **Smith said**.

“We were looking for examples of how to lift up communities, how to provide more opportunities for young people, how to bridge divides...all of which we are still trying to do today,” **Clinton said**.

**On May 12**, Smith met with the **Community Food Bank of New Jersey**, discussing how federal investment helps local programs address hunger, health, nutrition and food security and access issues, a. priority of the Biden administration. The discussion provided an overview of the programs and initiatives, and how AmeriCorps funding helped the **food bank create lasting impact**. Smith also participated in a service opportunity at the Greater Newark Conservancy garden.

**On May 15**, AmeriCorps leaders, including Cleo Hirsch, Public Health AmeriCorps, joined the **OneStar Foundation** in Dallas, celebrating the organization’s **AmeriCorps grant totaling more than $16 million** to improve health and well-being, inspire learning and increase access to care in Texas.

“For nearly 30 years, AmeriCorps has been betting on national service as one of the most powerful tools to bring Americans together and solve tough challenges. Today, more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers are serving across the country—including right here in Dallas,” **Smith said**. “Whether they’re tutoring students to help them stay on track, helping seniors live independently, supporting veterans and military families, restoring our parks and public lands, or increasing access to healthy foods and affordable health care, these changemakers remind us that service deepens bonds, strengthens communities and transforms lives.”

The grant is part of more than $550 million in federal dollars invested in April and May nationally. More than 450 organizations received funding through AmeriCorps State and National and Public Health AmeriCorps programs.

**On May 16**, Smith **recognized Heart of Texas’ Susan Copeland** for more than 30 years of distinguished service leading national service programs in Waco, Texas. Copeland’s service with AmeriCorps RSVP helps older Americans connect and create change in their communities. Smith presented Copeland with a Distinguished Service Award, including a framed letter he signed and a keepsake AmeriCorps CEO Challenge Coin.

“The AmeriCorps CEO Challenge Coin Award honors dedicated individuals who serve their communities, make service possible for others, and are committed to the betterment of local communities and people in need,” **Smith said**. “Susan’s tireless efforts, spanning more than three decades, has enabled thousands of older adult volunteers to make an impact on the lives of people who need it most. Her faithfulness and dedication embody the very spirit of this award.”

Smith also joined the Habitat AmeriCorps 2023 Service Blitz in Killeen, Texas, May 16. Smith spoke at their Team Up Training, a session aimed at helping members bridge divides in communities.

**On May 30**, Smith traveled to Delaware for the announcement of **$1.3 million in funding** awarded to **Reading Assist Delaware**. The award directs $3.9 million per year over three years and expands Reading Assist’s presence in providing high-impact tutoring support to struggling readers.

“These AmeriCorps grants—and our State and National program—prioritize how important it is to give local organizations the tools to solve local challenges,” Smith said. “This investment further strengthens partnerships with a thriving network of local, state and national organizations. These evidence-backed programs are creating lasting change in underserved communities while giving more Americans an opportunity to serve.”

Smith also presented a **President’s Volunteer Service Award to Alex Tran**, an AmeriCorps member serving in the VISTA program with more than 4,200 hours of service. Tran gives back to his community, mentoring other Chinese students while in college, participating and leading various school service projects and more. Tran also served with AmeriCorps NCCC in Colorado before returning home to Sussex County, where he served with **Habitat AmeriCorps**.

Follow AmeriCorps on **Facebook**, **Twitter**, **Instagram** and **LinkedIn** for additional highlights from Smith’s trips.

#Shareworthy: @AmeriCorpsCEO hit the road in May, celebrating @AmeriCorps investments to lift up communities, leaders who ensure #AmeriCorpsWorks for local priorities, and Americans who #GetThingsDone across five states. See snapshots ⤵️ and read more: https://t.co/kSNQRPkc9v pic.twitter.com/3lPdo5b81P
— AmeriCorps (@AmeriCorps) May 31, 2023
              AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at **AmeriCorps.gov**.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at **AmeriCorps.gov/serve**. Back to main content Sign up to hear about our latest news, events, and opportunities.
  Sign up for our newsletter
    Footer about
  

        
        About
                            What We Do
                Our Impact
                Our Team
                Careers
                Agency OverviewFooter serve
  

        
        Serve
                            AmeriCorps
                AmeriCorps Seniors
                Volunteer
                Find Your FitFooter partner
  

        
        Partner
                            How it Works
                Funding OpportunitiesFooter Members & Volunteers
  

        
        Members & Volunteers
                            Your Benefits
                Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
                Alumni
                Safety and SecurityFooter grantees & sponsors
  

        
        Grantees & Sponsors
                            eGrants
                History Checks
                LitmosFooter newsroom
  

        
        Newsroom
                            News
                Blog
                Stories
                Events
                In the News
                Communication Resources
      Bringing Americans together to serve communities

Follow us
  
  1-800-942-2677
            
    help@americorps.gov
    USA.gov / Office of Inspector General / FOIA and Privacy Act / Federal Register notices / No FEAR Act/ Employee Whistleblower Rights / Contractor and Grantee Whistleblower Rights / Office of Special Counsel / STOCK Act / Fraud Alert

Accessibility / Privacy policy / Site map / Donate / Join

**AmeriCorps.gov**
An official website of AmeriCorps. Produced and published at taxpayer expense. 
 You are leaving AmeriCorps.gov
 The website you’re going to is not part of the AmeriCorps domain and may not be under AmeriCorps’ control. Its privacy and security practices and policies may differ from AmeriCorps’. AmeriCorps is not responsible for the link, nor does it endorse the content of the third-party website. Click on the continue button to proceed to the external website; otherwise click cancel to stay on AmeriCorps.gov.
 Cancel Continue