Despite massive federal cuts, the city’s AmeriCorps program will boost 150 paid positions in this upcoming cohort after a $3.2 million increase from the city budget. NYC Civic Corps is encouraging job-seeking New Yorkers — particularly new graduates and career changers with interest in public service — to apply before the Sept. 28 deadline.
“Programs like the Civic Corps are not optional,” said Deputy Mayor for Administration Camille Joseph Varlack during a press conference. “They are essential. These roles create real economic opportunity for working-class New Yorkers. They strengthen the capacity of nonprofits, expand access to services in our most vulnerable communities, and open pathways to careers in public service.”
Earlier this year, the Trump administration slashed almost $400 million in grants for AmeriCorps. The federal agency bankrolls community service and volunteer opportunities ranging from rebuilding houses after a natural disaster to delivering meals to the elderly to assisting veterans.
In New York State, more than 40 programs, including Civic Corps, lost roughly $30 million in total federal funding. Gov. Kathy Hochul joined a lawsuit against the federal government in April over the cuts.
“From providing vital public health services in New York City, to helping kids read in the Southern Tier, AmeriCorps is a representation of true public service,” said Hochul in April. “Our AmeriCorps workers give so much back to their communities — their compassionate and valiant work does not go unrecognized.”
However, the Adams administration’s support will keep the city’s program afloat with the help of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service.
Roughly 80 host nonprofits and city agencies across all five boroughs will participate in this year’s program, which starts in October and runs for 10 months until next July. Around 40% of the openings will focus on youth development. There is also a sizable number of positions for community health initiatives, which include food access and preventative care.
Corp members receive a living allowance of up to $24,500, with healthcare and 15 days of paid time off. Graduates can receive a $5,176 grant towards student loan repayment or future tuition, as well as loan forbearance — allowing participants to pause student loan payments during the program with any interest repaid by federal money. They will also receive an unlimited MTA MetroCard and NYC Service — the agency overseeing the program — says transportation benefits will now expand to CitiBike membership.
Cheryl A. Pemberton-Graves, Chief Volunteer Officer at Lighthouse Guild (which serves people with visual impairments), says the nonprofit’s first year hosting a Civic Corps member helped build out a companion program for volunteers to assist visually-impaired New Yorkers with leaving the house and receiving support.
“By the time he left here, we had an opportunity to have an open house of sorts, and clients with volunteers to do some of these other things,” she said. “We knew it was important, because people were asking for something like that. But until people started doing it, we didn’t know how much it was opening up to them. We couldn’t get to that point without an AmeriCorps volunteer.”
Eligibility is reserved for applicants 18 years or older with a diploma and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. NYC Service will conduct a criminal background check, but a spokesperson told the AmNews the agency welcomes applications from people with conviction records and will work on a case-by-case basis to ensure their eligibility.
Since Civic Corps began 16 years ago, more than 2,200 alumni have ultimately landed in permanent public service careers. 78% of all alumni, including those who do not work in public service, report that their Civic Corps experience helped prepare them for their current work. The program also promises a career fair for participants, and Americorps offers an alumni job portal with a free resume review.
“NYC Civic Corps is a program that bridges divides, makes communities healthier, and creates a sense of belonging to this city we all love and champion,” said NYC Chief Service Officer Laura Rog. “Organizations depend on the support of NYC Civic Corps members to reach New Yorkers in underserved communities with dignity and crucial resources.”