National Service

National service refers to programs like AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs and initiatives. Participants in these programs address community needs in disaster services, economic opportunity, education, the environment, health, and veterans and military families.

Benefits for Youth

A growing body of research shows that national service has an effect on more than just communities served, but also on AmeriCorps members. Through surveying 3,772 AmeriCorps alumni, and a secure data match with the National Student Clearinghouse, the AmeriCorps Alumni Outcomes Study¹ found that:

• AmeriCorps service is found to have a significant positive effect on civic engagement; respondents were more likely to engage in all community service activities asked about in the survey post-AmeriCorps compared to pre-AmeriCorps. There was also a positive effect seen on sense of community and measures of self-efficacy.
• The study found that AmeriCorps service had significant effects on alumni’s employment and career pathways. For example, AmeriCorps alumni are more likely to attain a bachelor’s degree or higher than the average American adult.

References