When it comes to enrolling in AmeriCorps, Montana residents rank sixth among states, according to new data released this week by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that administers the AmeriCorps program and leads the nation’s national service and volunteer programs.
In Montana, State AmeriCorps programs are implemented by the Governor’s Office of Community Service. State AmeriCorps programs in Montana include Montana Conservation Corps, Montana Campus Compact, Montana State Parks AmeriCorps, Justice for Montanans AmeriCorps, Energy Corps, Big Sky Watershed, FoodCorps, 100 Fold Studio, and Community in Action Corps. Other AmeriCorps programs in the state include AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps National Direct in Montana, AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region, and Senior Corps.
“Montana is excited to be back in the top 10 for AmeriStates. The Montana Commission on Community Service is grateful for the spirit of service that is represented by all Montanans who welcome our AmeriCorps State programs into their communities to continue to address critical needs through national service,” said Dan Ritter, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service.
Since AmeriCorps was formed nearly 25 years ago, thousands of Montanans have served their country — 4,700 in the last year alone — and received more than $22.7 million in scholarships. This year, CNCS will invest more than $5 million in national service projects in the state, including funding for more than 900 AmeriCorps members.
“Congratulations to Montana and all our 2018 AmeriStates and AmeriCities” said Chester Spellman, director of AmeriCorps. “By taking the AmeriCorps pledge, Montana citizens are building a brighter tomorrow. Their service as AmeriCorps members exemplifies what it means to be an American. I salute every AmeriCorps member for their dedication and determination to ‘get things done’ and encourage other Americans to make the same commitment.”
Every year, 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve through 21,600 schools, nonprofits, and community and faith-based organizations across the country. These citizens have played a critical role in the recovery of communities affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. They also tutor and mentor young people, connect veterans to jobs, care for seniors, reduce crime and revive cities, fight the opioid epidemic, and meet other critical needs.
The rankings were determined by associating the permanent address of AmeriCorps members’ to a U.S. designated place and state, including the District of Columbia. The analysis looked exclusively at members who served in program year 2016.
For this analysis, a small city was defined as any place with a population greater than or equal to 100,000 people and less than 250,000 people.