05.06.09

Cantwell Announces Grant for Western Washington University "Students in Service"

Student volunteers eligible to receive $4,275 to help pay for school loans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today announced that Western Washington University's "Students in Service" program will receive a $375,000 AmeriCorps National Direct Competitive Continuation Grant. Senator Cantwell wrote a letter of support on behalf of the program, which will help support Students in Service members recruit volunteers to help support community activities such as: mentoring, service-learning courses, and one-day service events. In addition, members help disadvantaged youth succeed academically.

"Washington state's students are known for their volunteerism and love of community," said Cantwell. "This grant, and the AmeriCorps program, will give students an opportunity to mentor and educate young people, develop field and leadership skills, and get involved in their local community while still being able to pay off some of their own expenses accrued while pursuing a higher education degree."

AmeriCorps National Direct Competitive grants support community organizations that sponsor national serve programs in more than one state to address unmet needs in areas such as education, public safety, health, and environment. Grants cover some of the cost of operation the program, in addition to a small stipend for the AmeriCorps member, which is matched by the recipient organization. Each AmeriCorps member who completes a full term of service of 1,700 hours will earn a $4,725 education award that helps pay for college or pay back student loans. Since 1994, AmeriCorps members have earned more than $1.6 billion for education.

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