AmeriCorps is a federal program that aims to help communities solve problems in education, public safety, environment and other human needs by serving and getting people to serve as volunteers.
CNMI AmeriCorps Director Geri Willis in an interview said the grant will be for a three-year period: Sept. 2009 to Aug. 2012.
The $1.3 million, once awarded, Willis said will fund the program’s operating, administrative and member costs.
AmeriCorps recruits members from public and private schools each of whom are paid a stipend of up to $225 monthly.
Upon completion of 900 hours of service a year, members can qualify for an education award of $2,362 which can be used for training or to repay qualified student loans.
CNMI members are benefiting from the previous grant awarded in 2006, which amounted to $1.6 million.
Willis said the CNMI applied for a lower grant amount this time because members were not able to meet the 900 hours requirement as a result of the change in credits.
