AmeriCorps, the US federal agency that oversees volunteerism and service work, made headlines recently as it abruptly pulled teams of young people out of various community service projects across the country. The unexpected work stoppage was a result of cuts attributed to the Department of Government Efficiency, volunteers were informed on Tuesday afternoon.
According to a report by WIRED, seven workers with the National Civilian Community Corps (AmeriCorps NCCC) were instructed to cease their efforts on projects that ranged from rebuilding homes destroyed in storms to preparing a summer camp for children and distributing supplies for hurricane recovery. These volunteers were asked to immediately return to their homes, leaving their projects unfinished.
One of the affected volunteers, Aadharsh Jeyasakthivel, a 23-year-old from Boston, was serving at a county food bank in rural Pennsylvania when he and his fellow volunteers were suddenly pulled from service. In a message to WIRED, Jeyasakthivel expressed his confusion as non-AmeriCorps individuals continued to distribute aid while they were forced to stop their work.
The AmeriCorps NCCC program was established under the Clinton administration in 1993 by the National and Community Service Trust Act. Each year, the program recruits 2,200 individuals between the ages of 18 to 26 to work on various projects across the country. Some volunteers also collaborate with staff from agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Forest Service. Graduates of the program are eligible for an award to help pay off federal student loans.
A memo sent to NCCC volunteers on April 15 cited the Trump-Vance Administration’s priorities and Executive Order 14222, ‘Implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative,’ as the reason for the operational changes that led to the program’s suspension. The memo, signed by NCCC national director Ken Goodson, released volunteers from the program and announced the discontinuation of their benefits by April 30. Despite completing at least 15 percent of the program, volunteers would only be eligible for a prorated education award.
In early April, a representative from AmeriCorps informed Politico Playbook that DOGE staff were working at AmeriCorps headquarters and that the agency was supporting their requests. Subsequently, The Washington Post reported that the agency was considering a 50 percent cut to its budget. In 2024, the NCCC program accounted for $37.7 million of the agency’s $1.2 billion budget.
The sudden volunteer cuts, which included individuals working on projects aimed at making forests more resilient to wildfires and assisting FEMA staff, come just weeks before the official start of hurricane season. Samantha Montano, an assistant professor of emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, emphasized the critical role that NCCC and FEMA Corps play in supporting disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts across the country. The recent loss of key personnel in programs like AmeriCorps and the NCCC will have immediate and long-lasting effects, especially in times of disaster. These programs have been instrumental in providing crucial support and assistance during emergencies, and the absence of trained volunteers will be sorely felt in the next major disaster.
AmeriCorps and the NCCC program have faced scrutiny in the past for various reasons, including concerns about fraud and high costs. However, it cannot be denied that these programs play a vital role in training and preparing young people for careers in emergency management and disaster response. Volunteers who have participated in these programs have received valuable training in a wide range of disciplines, from data management to wildland firefighting certification.
The impact of losing these programs goes beyond just the immediate response to disasters. These programs serve as a pathway for young individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in emergency management and disaster relief. The skills and experience gained through AmeriCorps and the NCCC are invaluable in preparing individuals to handle the challenges of responding to emergencies effectively.
Despite being targeted by some right-wing media figures and organizations in the past, the importance of AmeriCorps and the NCCC cannot be understated. The Trump administration’s attempts to slash funding for these programs in the past have been met with opposition, highlighting the value that these programs provide to communities in need.
The long-term future of the NCCC program remains uncertain, with conflicting information about the availability of positions for the upcoming cohort. For volunteers who have suddenly found themselves without a program to participate in, the loss is deeply felt. Many young individuals rely on these programs as a way to gain valuable experience, pay for college, and make a difference in the world.
One such volunteer, Noe Felix Burns, expressed his disappointment at the abrupt end to his time in AmeriCorps. For many volunteers like him, AmeriCorps was not just a program but a stepping stone towards a brighter future. The sudden loss of this opportunity has left many feeling lost and uncertain about what comes next.
In conclusion, the loss of key personnel in programs like AmeriCorps and the NCCC will have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the immediate response to disasters but also the future of young individuals looking to make a difference in the world. It is crucial that these programs receive the support and funding they need to continue their important work in preparing the next generation of emergency responders.
