Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) today announced that the Commonwealth has received $10,615,471 in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
These grants will support 1,564 AmeriCorps members across the state to serve with 23 programs. AmeriCorps members will directly address critical needs in Massachusetts including early literacy, college readiness, academic literacy of English Language Learners, land stewardship, natural resource management, legal services to unaccompanied children and low-income families, food security and affordable housing.
“National service is an essential part of the solution to many of the challenges facing Massachusetts,” said Emily Haber, CEO of MSA. “These AmeriCorps members will meet pressing local needs and strengthen communities as they develop civic and leadership skills to last a lifetime. I congratulate these outstanding organizations and thank all those who serve their communities through AmeriCorps.”
The 2015-16 school year, marks the second year of a partnership between Playworks Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Service Alliance. Playworks Massachusetts will recruit 15 AmeriCorps members for the upcoming school year, directly serving 14 high-need schools throughout Massachusetts.
“Our partnership with the Massachusetts Service Alliance is critical to our sustainability and expansion throughout Massachusetts. We are excited to continue our partnership with MSA and committed to recruiting young professionals dedicated to service and the community.” said Max Fripp, Executive Director of Playworks Massachusetts.
Playworks Massachusetts AmeriCorps members will use the power of play at recess and throughout the school day to improve school climate and reduce bullying–ultimately ensuring students feel safe, supported, and engaged in school.
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The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) was established in 1991 as a private, non-profit organization that serves as the state commission on service and volunteerism and administers AmeriCorps’ state programs for Massachusetts and the Commonwealth Corps program. It provides training and technical assistance and financial support for organizations that rely on volunteers and those engaged in service to meet the needs of their communities.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, and leads the President’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.
