Federal AmeriCorps Funding To Support Service, Education Programs Throughout State

AmeriCorps is sending more than $8 million to five programs across the state as part of its state and national grant program. 

The money will fund a literacy mentorship program at West Virginia University, an education and leadership program in Hillsboro, and an opioid prevention program for grade school students in Charleston.

Other programs receiving funding, but not related to education, include supporting the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area in Elkins and a program that addresses diet-related health disparities in underserved communities in Wheeling.

Specific funding for each of the programs include:

• $1,724,777 – West Virginia University, Morgantown
• $1,154,600 – High Rocks Educational Corporation, Hillsboro
• $894,735 – United Way of Central West Virginia, Charleston
• $792,000 – Appalachian Forest Heritage Area, Elkins
• $310,984 – Grow Ohio Valley, Wheeling

AmeriCorps separately announced $1,610,047 in funding for the National Council on Aging branch based in Wheeling Thursday. It’s set to place 72 senior AmeriCorps volunteers in the Northern Panhandle counties into the workforce by the end of its three-year grant cycle.

Volunteer West Virginia is also receiving nearly $1.7 million. The agency will use the money for more statewide resources during the next few months.

Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, the federal stimulus bill passed in 2021. It will affect 555 AmeriCorps volunteers working in West Virginia.