AmeriCorps Continues, but Its Future Is Uncertain

By Kayla Masterman

It’s been a chaotic year with potential trouble ahead for AmeriCorps, the federal agency responsible for national service and volunteerism. It enrolls over 200,000 people annually to serve with organizations that tackle community challenges in areas including healthcare access, conservation, education and disaster recovery. In 2024, over 3,300 North Carolinians, 4,300 Tennesseans, 2,800 Virginians and 2,900 West Virginians served with AmeriCorps.

This past year of service came with some interruptions. In April, the Trump administration took steps to dismantle AmeriCorps, including closing the National Civilian Community Corps and notifying the agency that it was terminating nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants. This move closed more than 1,000 programs, resulting in the premature departure of over 32,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, according to America’s Service Commissions.

In response, 24 states and Washington, D.C. sued the Trump administration. In early June,  U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman granted a temporary block on the government’s cancellation of these grants in states that brought the lawsuit and for NCCC members “if they are willing and able to return.” As of press time in July, many of these these members are back in service. 

In May, the Trump administration released its proposed budget, requesting $32 million to close the program. It’s up to Congress to decide whether to act on that request or to keep funding the agency.

Amid the disruptions, in Western North Carolina, AmeriCorps Project Conserve is celebrating its 20-year anniversary and recruiting for the 2025-2026 service year. The program places members with conservation organizations to support environmental efforts like habitat restoration, trail building and supporting citizen science, and 2024-2025 members mobilized to support Helene recovery efforts.

Many other programs in Appalachia are still actively recruiting. CAC AmeriCorps in East Tennessee works to alleviate poverty and improve public lands. AmeriCorps placements with the Christian Appalachian Project repair homes and provide other services in Eastern Kentucky. The AmeriCorps Foster a Grandparent Program in multiple states  connects with those 55 and older to serve as role models and mentors to children in need. In West Virginia and Western Maryland, the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area AmeriCorps program supports rural cultural heritage and tourism.