DES MOINES, Iowa — The Trump administration has recently set its sights on a community service initiative known as AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). This program has been in operation for three decades, and the administration’s move seems aimed at reducing government spending.
On Tuesday, volunteers received an email, obtained by The Associated Press, informing them they would be leaving the program earlier than expected due to “programmatic circumstances beyond your control.”
The memo, which was sent anonymously, pointed out that the ability of the NCCC to continue its operations was threatened by the priorities of the Trump administration. It specifically mentioned an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at creating a Department of Government Efficiency. Official dismissals for corps members are scheduled for April 30.
As of Wednesday, AmeriCorps had not yet responded to a request for comment from the Associated Press.
What program is affected and why?
The AmeriCorps NCCC, which marked its 30th anniversary last year, consists of over 2,000 young people aged 18 to 26 who participate in a service commitment lasting roughly 10 months. According to the program’s official website, these corps members engage in a variety of projects focused on education, housing, community development, land conservation, and disaster response, traveling across the country to fulfill their assignments.
The program provides essential benefits for its volunteers, including housing, meals, limited health coverage, and a modest living stipend. Furthermore, members who complete their 1,700-hour service commitment can receive funding to help with future educational expenses or to pay off specific student loans, with this benefit estimated to be around $7,300 for the current service year.
Funding for AmeriCorps and the NCCC has often come under fire during congressional budget discussions. In the last fiscal year, the NCCC’s funding was approximately $38 million.
A representative from the White House indicated that the Trump administration expressed concerns about the use of taxpayer dollars for this program. This individual spoke anonymously due to restrictions on disclosing information publicly.
What types of projects did they work on?
Typically, NCCC volunteers have partnered with community and faith-based organizations, nonprofits, schools, local governments, and tribal groups. Recent initiatives included working at a food bank in Washington state, building homes with Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina, and facilitating after-school programs in Arizona.
NCCC has also collaborated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and, more recently, the U.S. Forest Service. In the past year, volunteers have contributed to disaster response efforts, including tornadoes and flooding in Iowa, hurricane recovery in North Carolina, and wildfires in California, where their efforts were particularly impactful.
What lies ahead for the corps members?
On Tuesday evening, corps members were advised to start packing their belongings. Many have embarked on lengthy journeys back to their campuses in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Vinton, Iowa; Sacramento, California; and Aurora, Colorado. According to the memo, members will continue to receive their stipends and health benefits until the end of April.
The memo indicated that those who have completed at least 15% of their service term would be eligible for a prorated education award.
However, Kate Raftery, who served as the NCCC director from 2011 to 2014, expressed concern for the corps members, many of whom she referred to as the “unusual suspects” who viewed this opportunity as a vital step toward education or career advancement.
“These individuals weren’t necessarily looking to become service members,” Raftery pointed out. “They were seeking a chance to better their lives, acquire new skills, and make a difference in their communities.”
