AmeriCorps is a national service program that strengthens communities by involving people in service to meet local challenges.  The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) administers AmeriCorps at the federal level and partners with states to fund national service programs locally.  The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) administers Michigan's AmeriCorps.

Ask an AmeriCorps member to tell you the number of children they've mentored, houses they've built, or volunteers they've recruited.  You will not only hear numbers, but you'll learn the names of students, addresses of new homes, and places where new volunteers have served.  This is because AmeriCorps members work directly with the people or causes that need their help the most.  Michigan's AmeriCorps programs are house within nonprofit organization, schools, or other agencies.  Each program sets its own goals to help meet local needs in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, and human needs.  Host organizations receive funding to recruit, place, and support AmeriCorps members.  These members serve for at least one year to help meet the goals defined by each program.

The AmeriCorps mission includes:

Getting Things Done

AmeriCorps serve to address a community's most critical education, public safety, human, or environmental needs.  Every AmeriCorps  program identifies a compelling community need and uses a team of at least ten full-time equivalent members to address the need.

Strengthening Communities

AmeriCorps strengthens communities by uniting citizens of every race, region, religion, and income in a spirit of respect and cooperation to improve our communities.  Our communities are also strengthened by working together in partnerships and collaborations to address common needs.

Encouraging Responsibility

Through service, discussion of service, and education about service, AmeriCorps enables members to see themselves as problem solvers, not problems; to become leaders, not just followers; and to act on their responsibilities in addition to their rights.  While strengthening their desire to serve, AmeriCorps gives members the tools to fulfill their responsibilities through their lives, including communication and conflict resolution sills and an understanding of their communities.

Expanding Opportunity

During the term of service, every AmeriCorps program offers a basic living allowance, education award, and child and health care to eligible full-time members.  In addition to this, the experience of AmeriCorps expands opportunity in vital ways providing invaluable life and job skills.  Members emerge knowing how to teach or build, and they carry these skills throughout the rest of their lives.

Current Michigan's AmeriCorps Grantees

Click here for the current Michigan's AmeriCorps Grantees.

Who Can Join AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps members must be 17 years old or older, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have completed their high school diploma or be willing to work on completing it during their AmeriCorps term of service.

How can I apply to be an AmeriCorps member?

If you are interested in being a member, visit www.americorps.org.   You will find a description and contact information for Michigan's AmeriCorps programs, as well as other programs throughout the country.  If you do not have access to web, please call 800.942.2677.

How does an organization apply to sponsor a Michigan's AmeriCorps program? 

Annually, the MCSC distributes a Request For Proposal (RFP) that enables organizations to apply to sponsor a Michigan's AmeriCorps program.  Organizations must apply for a minimum of 10 full-time equivalent members.  Grants are awarded on a competitive basis.  If you would like to receive the most up-to-date notifications of grant opportunities, sign up for the MCSC-News listserv by clicking here.

For more information on the Michigan's AmeriCorps programs, please contact Michelle Metzmaker at (517) 241-3606 or metzmakerm1@michigan.gov.