New Study Finds AmeriCorps Benefits Those Who Serve

Posted by on May 21, 2007

New Study Finds AmeriCorps Benefits Those Who Serve By Creating Skilled, Dedicated Civic Leaders

AmeriCorps Alums More Likely to Volunteer and Go Into Public Service Careers

WASHINGTON , DC ? As AmeriCorps reaches the 500,000 member mark and Congress and governors salute the program for its positive impacts on communities, a new study shows that AmeriCorps also provides a range of benefits to those who serve — including career and leadership skills and a lasting commitment to service and civic involvement.

The “AmeriCorps: Changing Lives, Changing America” report released today shows that 90 percent of AmeriCorps alumni reported having acquired leadership, communications, teamwork, time-management, and decision-making skills during their service. It also found that AmeriCorps alumni volunteer more, are more civically engaged, and choose public service careers at higher rates than peers who didn’t serve in the program.

“AmeriCorps instills a lasting ethic of service and civic leadership in those who serve, and our society will reap the benefit for many decades to come,” said David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation. “The AmeriCorps generation ? 500,000 strong and growing ? is passionate about making a difference and knows how to get the job done.”

The report examines research results from an AmeriCorps longitudinal study and surveys of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and nonprofit organizations that operate AmeriCorps programs. The report comes as the 13-year-old AmeriCorps program surges past 500,000 members this spring, one of the many accomplishments being recognized during the first-ever AmeriCorps Week, May 13 to 20. Yesterday, the U.S. House passed a resolution recognizing AmeriCorps for its important contributions to communities, and 19 Governors are issuing proclamations saluting AmeriCorps members for their impact and commitment.

The study examined the impacts of national service on members’ civic engagement, employment, and life skills. Findings reveal that AmeriCorps alumni are more connected to their communities, they continue to participate in community activities, and they choose public service careers in disproportionately high levels.

The study found 80 percent of current members report that they are likely to continue serving as a result of their AmeriCorps experience and that 72 percent of alumni report having volunteered since their service.

The study also found that:
? Since 2005, 35 percent of members have gone on to work in the public service sector, and 31 percent work for nonprofit organizations. Sixty-seven percent of employed alumni work with people in poverty, and 33.4 percent work with the elderly.
? AmeriCorps participation provides a pathway to engagement in education and community, with 72 percent of alumni reporting that the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award was an incentive for them to join AmeriCorps,
? Fifty-two percent of members without a college degree and no history of volunteering report that they have volunteered since completing their service with AmeriCorps.

The study also looked at AmeriCorps impacts on the organizations. AmeriCorps was designed as a decentralized program that gives existing organizations additional “people power” to help then expand services, build capacity, raise funds, develop new partnerships, and create innovative and sustainable programs. Members serve with 2,000-plus groups each year, from national nonprofits such as Teach for America, Boys and Girls Clubs, American Red Cross, City Year, and Hands On Network, to small faith-based and community groups.

One of the key ways AmeriCorps strengthens organizations is by helping them recruit and supervise volunteers. In 2006, AmeriCorps members helped recruit or manage more than 1.4 million volunteers. The study found that 84 percent of host organizations report that members helped them to leverage more volunteers, and 88 percent of organizations report that members helped them develop partnerships with other organizations.

To view the report, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/role_impact/performance_research.asp

The first-ever AmeriCorps Week showcases AmeriCorps through more than 200 events including service projects, recruitment fairs, school presentations, alumni gatherings, AmeriCorps-for-a-Day events with elected officials, and awards ceremonies. These events are listed on the AmeriCorps Week website at http://www.americorps.gov, along with news, stories, and information about how to join AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov.