Funds will support clothing and food for Kentuckians in need, provide tutoring, teaching and other educational services to all students
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 18, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that more than $25.3 million is on the way to support the educational and social needs of Kentucky children and families.
The funds include $14.7 million in federal AmeriCorps grants, combined with $5.8 million in private and public matching funds to provide help with housing, clothing and food to Kentuckians in need. The money will also provide tutoring, teaching and other educational services for students in all grade levels through post-secondary education. Additionally, funds will help health departments, senior centers and hospice facilities meet the basic needs of Kentuckians.
“As a dad, I want to make sure every child in Kentucky has access to the best educational resources possible,” Gov. Beshear said. “I also want to ensure that we lift up our families in every corner of the commonwealth by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. I want to thank AmeriCorps for their partnership. This announcement is another step forward in our mission to build a better commonwealth for your kids and mine.”
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander praised AmeriCorps for its support. Program funding, he noted, helps Kentucky’s quest to build more resilient communities.
“As Team Kentucky moves forward with building a better commonwealth following the pandemic, natural disasters and other impacts, the programs supported will play a significant role in making Kentuckians and the places they live more resilient and ready for a brighter future,” he said.
The funding breakdown includes:
- $12.1 million in national competitive grant funding for 12 AmeriCorps programs, including two public health AmeriCorps programs;
- $2.6 million in formula grant funding to support eight additional state programs;
- $5.8 million in local cash or in-kind match provided by AmeriCorps program sponsors; and
- $4.8 million in education awards from the AmeriCorps federal agency.
Click here to view the AmeriCorps grant recipients.
Examples of awardees include the Global Game Changers, where funds will be used to engage 800 students in additional 170-plus hours of enrichment and social-emotional instruction, and UNITE Service Corps, where AmeriCorps will tutor 2,170 students in math and implement a drug-prevention curriculum in 21 Kentucky counties.
“These new grants will increase AmeriCorps Seniors’ ability to make an impact in Covington,” said Atalaya Sergi, director of AmeriCorps Seniors. “Supporting these older adults will help leverage their tremendous experience and skill to help those in need. At the same time, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will gain training and skills to support them returning to the workforce in professional and para-professional jobs that will support their financial future.”
“The Global Game Changers School Empowerment Zone program works to make a revolutionary difference in climate, culture, engagement, empowerment and ultimately success for high needs Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville,” said Global Game Changers co-founder and board chair Jan Helson. “We're thrilled to continue our important partnership with AmeriCorps and Serve Kentucky so that members can support schools, students, teachers and parents in order to build the relationships and lay the foundation that drive this important work forward.”
“Ensuring youth have strong, fact-based drug prevention and avoidance skills is essential if we want them to stay substance free,” said Nancy Hale, president and CEO of Operation UNITE. “The reach of AmeriCorps members with the UNITE Service Corps extends deep into our service region. They become actively engaged within their schools by sponsoring anti-drug UNITE Clubs, joining their UNITE Community Coalition and recruiting adult volunteers. AmeriCorps members foster relationships that broaden their impact well beyond the classroom.”
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations, which spur members to strengthen communities. This is done through faith-based and nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, local government entities and state agencies.
After completing a full term of service, AmeriCorps members are eligible for $6,895 for college, post-secondary education or to pay back student loans. Learn more about AmeriCorps in this minute-long national PSA that was filmed in Louisville with local members and staff.
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