Abstract

National service in the United States permeates through most communities. Despite a significant number of participants, national service programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps are relatively unknown. People understand the concept of the Peace Corps – programs may refer to their AmeriCorps model as the “domestic version of the Peace Corps." National service programs engage individuals in providing services to their communities in exchange for intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Individuals ranging from 18 to 99 join national service programs for a number of reasons, including a desire to “give back” or “make a difference.” People also find national service as a way to develop their professional skills before seeking employment. Participants are provided with a number of benefits during their service which range from educational awards to living allowances and health benefits depending on the program. National service is currently administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). CNCS oversees volunteerism efforts at the federal level, administering a number of grants and initiatives to drive results in making communities “smarter, safer, and healthier." National service is a solid program model that lends itself as a way to encourage volunteerism, promote civic engagement, and make meaningful impacts in communities across the United States.

Year Manuscript Completed

Spring 2019

Senior Project Advisor

Robin Esau

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Human Services

Document Type

Thesis

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