W.Va. AmeriCorps Programs See Jump In Federal Funds

AmeriCorps programs across the state will share in more than $6.4 million of federal funding for a variety of community support programs.  

The funds were secured through a competitive grant process and will be used to meet critical local needs through more than 450 AmeriCorps volunteers who focus on six core areas: 

• Education, by supporting student achievement and expanding pathways to higher education;  

• Economic Opportunity, by building workforce skills and helping families achieve financial stability;  

• Environmental Stewardship, by conserving natural spaces;  

• Healthy Futures, by addressing food insecurity and promoting overall community wellness;  

• Veterans & Military Families, by connecting service members to employment and earned benefits; and 

• Disaster Services, by assisting local communities with recovery and relief efforts when emergencies strike. 

“For anybody that’s followed AmeriCorps in the last few years, we’ve experienced funding cuts and for a while there was a possibility the funding might be terminated, so to come back this year with an increase in funding has just been the best news for all the programs in our state,” said Jessica Sammons, executive director of Volunteer West Virginia which administers the grant programs. 

With the additional funds, AmeriCorps will be able to increase services and add two new programs including an after-school program with the Salvation Army of Beckley. 

In 2025, AmeriCorps members: 

• provided 44,382 healthy meals 

• supported 9,391 children 

• connected 954 individuals with substance use intervention services.  

• expanding job training and placement for 228 residents 

• restored 11 historic properties, and  

• supported 4,767 acres of natural spaces.  

“Every day, our AmeriCorps members serve on the frontlines—tutoring children, expanding access to fresh local food, providing substance use prevention education, improving local parks and trails, and restoring historical landmarks,” Sammons said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with AmeriCorps to expand these transformative service opportunities across every corner of our state.”  

Visit volunteer.wv.gov for more information about AmeriCorps in West Virginia.