Rhode Island Breaks Into Top 10 States for Americorps Members

Published on Thursday, August 15, 2019

RI Ranks #7 Nationally, and Providence Ranks #2 Among Cities of Its Size

PROVIDENCE, RI - When it comes to enrolling in AmeriCorps, Rhode Island residents rank #7 among states, according to new data released 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. The ranking marks an improvement for Rhode Island’s volunteer force, which did not crack the top 10 last year.

“It’s no surprise to me that Rhode Island is a leader nationally when it comes to supporting worthy causes with a dedicated volunteer workforce,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “I’m proud to see us make the top 10, and I’m grateful to all of the AmeriCorps members—past and present—who have committed their time and talent to serving their neighbors and improving our communities.”

Providence also made the list, ranking #2 among cities of its size.

“I am new to Rhode Island, but I have quickly come to learn that this is a small state with a lot of heart,” said Angélica Infante-Green, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. “AmeriCorps volunteer members do so much for education, as well as other worthy causes, and I look forward to continuing to work with my team to support AmeriCorps members and strengthen our Serve Rhode Island portfolio.”

Serve Rhode Island (ServeRI) is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and is responsible for awarding AmeriCorps grants and supporting AmeriCorps volunteers in Rhode Island.

Grants have been awarded for 2019-2020 to prevent evictions, increase school attendance, address academic achievement, increase first-generation students entering college, implement afterschool and summer programs for students, provide nutrition education in schools, engage students in STEM lessons, and address third grade reading. Learn about the opportunity to serve with these programs at www.serverhodeisland.org/join.

This fall marks the 25th anniversary of the AmeriCorps program, and in that time, more than 7,500 Rhode Island resident have given more than 10 million hours of service to their country and received more than $25.5 million in scholarships. This year, CNCS will invest more than $7 million in national service projects in the state, including funding for more than 450 AmeriCorps members.

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AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, and leads the nation’s volunteering and service efforts. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.