Providence Ranks #1 for Producing AmeriCorps Members

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com 

PROVIDENCE, R.I – Since AmeriCorps was formed more than 20 years ago, Rhode Island has been very successful when it comes to enrolling new members.

In fact, Providence residents rank #1 among mid-size cities, and Rhode Island ranks #6 among states, according to new data released Tuesday 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.

Rhode Island has produced 6,600 AmeriCorps members who have given approximately 9.5 million hours of service to their country, and received more than $22 million in scholarships.

Currently there are 205 AmeriCorps members serving in Providence, and 343 serving statewide.

CNCS is also investing more than $6 million in national service projects in the state.

“AmeriCorps members make a powerful impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. 

“Building on Rhode Island’s strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps members from Providence will improve lives and strengthen communities across the nation. I salute the AmeriCorps members from Rhode Island for their dedication, and thank our outstanding partners who make their service possible.”

The rankings were determined by looking into the permanent address of AmeriCorps members’ to a U.S. designated place and state, including the District of Columbia.

 The analysis looked specifically at members who served in the 2014-2015 program year.

This fall, the nation will celebrate a milestone, reaching one million men and women who have pledged “to get things done,” as AmeriCorps members.

For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6  2016