AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and more. AmeriCorps offers a variety of service opportunities, from the classroom to the outdoors, and everything in between.
Learn more about the different streams of National Service below.
AmeriCorps State & National programs in Colorado fit into one of two categories:
- AmeriCorps State-programs that operate only in Colorado
- AmeriCorps National-programs that operate in multiple states, including Colorado
AmeriCorps State & National programs support a variety of local service programs that engage hundreds of Coloradans in intensive service each year. Serve Colorado and AmeriCorps provide member positions and program operating cost grants to a network of local organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.
Serve Colorado, Colorado's state service commission, provides AmeriCorps State funding to organizations throughout the state in order to promote national service and volunteerism as sustainable solutions to Colorado's growing and diverse needs. Each of these organizations and agencies, in turn, uses their AmeriCorps funding to recruit, place, and supervise AmeriCorps members.
Serve Colorado administers AmeriCorps State programs statewide that address various community challenges. Click here to learn more about our AmeriCorps programs.
AmeriCorps NCCC strengthens communities and develops leaders through a team-based residential program for 18-24 year-olds. In partnership with nonprofits, local municipalities, state governments, federal government, national and state parks, Indian tribes, and schools, members complete service projects throughout the region they are assigned.
Loosely based on the depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC is built on the belief that civic responsibility is an inherent duty of all citizens and that national service programs work effectively with local communities to address pressing needs.
The Southwest Campus, housed in Aurora, serves an eight state region which includes Colorado. Last year, more than 500 members served across Colorado. Visit NCCC Southwest Region's Facebook page to learn more about their efforts.
Click here to learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC.
AmeriCorps VISTA members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help bring individuals and communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living, and working alongside community members to meet our nation's most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.
VISTA members makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. Click here to learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA.
AmeriCorps also oversees AmeriCorps Seniors, which taps the skills, talents, and experience of Americans age 55 and over to meet a wide range of community challenges. Last year, more than 4,700 Colorado seniors answered this call through Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP volunteers. Click here to learn more about AmeriCorps Seniors.
Spark the Change Colorado powers AmeriCorps Seniors Programs in the following service areas:
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): Alamosa, Huerfano, Las Animas, Montezuma, Park, Jefferson, and Broomfield Counties
Senior Companion Program: Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson Counties
Spark was recently awarded an AmeriCorps American Rescue Plan grant. It will help bring the Senior Companion Program to Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas Counties!
Visit the Senior Companion Program page or the RSVP page to learn more, contact us, and join today!
COllaboration
Colorado is uniquely situated in having the regional AmeriCorps NCCC Campus, Colorado State Commission, and AmeriCorps Regional Office all located in the metro-Denver area.
This geographical proximity has fostered a strong spirit of collaboration (or COllaboration), which has led to unprecedented cross-stream communication, outreach, and program development.
Because of this strong cross-stream partnership, Colorado is able to strategically leverage its federal AmeriCorps funding to target underserved geographic areas of the state and address our most pressing issues.
Staff from all three types of AmeriCorps service attend annual strategic planning meetings and support program-specific events!