Students and recent graduates are ready to volunteer their time and energy but opportunities are limited. Three of the most prominent national public service programs, the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and Teach for America (an AmeriCorps grant-funded program) are underfunded and underutilized.

The Peace Corps:

• Has repeatedly suffered budget reductions and freezes in recent years despite President Bush and Congress's support for the program.


• Has 50% fewer volunteers today (7750) than in 1966 (15,000)


• Cannot accept one third of those who wish to serve.


• Cannot meet the requests of as many as 20 countries that seek volunteers.


• Currently has volunteers in 75 countries and is rated one of the most highly effective programs by the Office of Management and Budget.

Teach for America:

• Currently turns away 80% of its applicants, many who are highly qualified and ready to serve (figure based on current teachers and number of applicants in 2005).


• Sees increasing the size and diversity of its ranks as a major goal in their campaign for equitable education.


• Wants to grow from 3500 members located at 22 sites (2005) to 7500 members at 33 sites, by 2010.

AmeriCorps:

• Employs 70,000 paid volunteers annually, each of whom recruits and trains on average 16 additional unpaid volunteers.


• Currently offers an education award for participants of $4,725. This award, which at its inception in 1994 paid for 2 years tuition at a public university now covers less than one year.


• Has been identified in numerous studies as a program that meets a wide variety of real public needs in cost effective ways.


• Provides its volunteers with very small stipend just slightly higher than of the federal poverty line.


• Has endured significant budget cuts in recent years, reducing rather than expanding its ranks of volunteers.