VYCC provides critical workforce development opportunities through AmeriCorps: 60 hard working, dedicated individuals will complete a staggering amount of work for the benefit our our communities and land this year.

They are among 80,000 other AmeriCorps volunteers who, each year, dedicate themselves to service and strengthening our communities. AmeriCorps leverages funding from other sources, making it possible to complete more projects and engage more youth. In fact, AmeriCorps programs nationally generate more private resources than the federal investment, making this program a solid return on taxpayer funds. A recent study put the return on investment of AmeriCorps at 4:1 in total community benefits.

The President’s FY18 budget proposes the complete elimination of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which includes AmeriCorps. It also proposes massive cuts to USDA and the Forest Service (21%), and a 12% cut to the Department of Interior. Department of Labor would also be cut by 21%. If these changes go into effect, they would have a devastating impact in our communities, on Vermont’s public lands, and on young people’s ability to serve our country.