Tag Archives: AmeriCorps

Secretary of State McGrane shares AmeriCorps experience to help kick off AmeriCorps Week

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Secretary of State Phil McGrane featured in overalls during his time in AmeriCorps.

Secretary of State Phil McGrane during his time in AmeriCorps (pictured on the right).

This year’s AmeriCorps Week takes place March 8-14 and celebrates the theme “AmeriCorps in Action: Americans serving America.”

Secretary of State Phil McGrane shared his experience to illustrate how volunteering with AmeriCorps can shape a career in public service.

McGrane served for Habitat for Humanity, an AmeriCorps program, from August 2002–2003 in Anniston, Alabama. During his year of service, he oversaw hundreds of volunteers as a part of a massive team effort to build 40 homes for those in need. Continue reading →

AmeriCorps deploys team to Idaho Panhandle National Forests

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Feb. 17, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Serve Idaho — the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism — has announced the deployment of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Phoenix 1 team to complete reforestation work in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests from Feb. 15 to April 1.

“AmeriCorps NCCC has enjoyed a long and productive history of partnering with Serve Idaho and communities across the Gem State. With the recent addition of the Forest Corps program to our portfolio, we’re thrilled that our collaboration has now extended to serving and supporting national forests across Idaho,” said NCCC Director Ken Goodson. Continue reading →

Gov. Little appoints four new commissioners to Serve Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Feb. 19, 2025
Media Contact: Emily.Straubhar@labor.idaho.gov

Gov. Brad Little appointed four new commissioners to the Serve Idaho Commission, adding to the existing 20.

“The new commissioners bring a passion for volunteerism and AmeriCorps in their communities,” Program Manager Emily Straubhar said. “We are excited to welcome them to the commission to share their expertise in advancing service across Idaho.”

Continue reading →

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) teams respond to Idaho fires

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 26, 2024
Media Contact: Micaela.deLoyola-Carkin@labor.idaho.gov

Three AmeriCorps NCCC forest teams deployed to Idaho to assist the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, the Sawtooth National Forest and the Boise National Forest in wildfire risk reduction.

“I am infinitely grateful to AmeriCorps, the U.S. Forest Service and the state of Idaho for the opportunity to serve on my first wildfire in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest,” Lily Liebowitz, AmeriCorps NCCC forest team, Delta 2 member said. “I had the wonderful chance to meet, network and learn from wildland firefighters from all over the country and across agencies.”

Continue reading →

Idaho Smart Growth approved for AmeriCorps VISTA resources

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 21, 2024
Media Contact: Micaela.deLoyola-Carkin@labor.idaho.gov or Crispin@idahosmartgrowth.org

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, approved Idaho Smart Growth to host two AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members in 2025.

Idaho Smart Growth is a statewide nonprofit committed to alleviating poverty. The organization works with government, private sector and neighborhood leaders to apply smart growth strategies and ensure towns of all sizes maximize community benefits while reducing public costs. Continue reading →

Apprenticeship Idaho distributes over 3,000 books to schools across the state

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 18, 2024
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov

Author Elaine Zabriskie with her dog and star of the book, Booper.

Over 3,000 free children’s books about the value of apprenticeships were distributed by the Idaho Department of Labor and Apprenticeship Idaho to elementary school classrooms across the state in September.

Designed for K-5 students, “Booper Dreams Big: An Almost True Story of Apprenticeship” follows the journey of Booper the dog and his apprenticeship as a satellite technician.

Apprenticeship Idaho originally published the book in 2022, becoming one of the first U.S. government agencies to produce a children’s book about apprenticeship. Continue reading →

Local communities can apply for AmeriCorps grants

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 22, 2024
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho organizations interested in operating an AmeriCorps program can earn up to $75,000 in grant funds. Eligible organizations include nonprofits; educational, community and faith-based organizations; Indian tribes and local governments.

Those interested have until Feb. 2 to submit an intent to apply form for federal funding through AmeriCorps.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, and AmeriCorps provide funding for disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, veterans and military families. Continue reading →

Learn about AmeriCorps with Serve Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 4, 2024
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho nonprofit, educational, community and faith-based organizations, Indian tribes and local governments are invited to attend a virtual presentation on Jan. 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. (MT) to learn about AmeriCorps grant opportunities. AmeriCorps is a federal grant program that provides funding to organizations to expand their impact.

Continue reading →

Idaho volunteer finds home for her expertise through AmeriCorps

Karen Swenson dedicated 30 years of her life to education.

When she retired and moved back to Idaho to help care for her parents, she knew there was something else she wanted to do, she just wasn’t sure what.

She was supporting her family and playing grandma. Then, she saw an advertisement to become an AmeriCorps member.

“I applied and here I am,” Swenson said, with a smile.

Continue reading →

Serve Idaho: AmeriCorps members and alums “Unite in Service” to Honor 9/11 Day in the Magic Valley

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 9, 2023
Media Contact: micaela.deloyola-carkin@labor.idaho.gov

AmeriCorps and Serve Idaho Commission members and staff will come together in Jerome, Shoshone, Twin Falls and Gooding to participate in the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. The two groups will lead the community and encourage participation in a month-long donation drive to benefit Project Succeed, which distributes school supplies to teachers in the Magic Valley.

Donations for Project Succeed can be dropped off at the following locations between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. between Sept. 8 – 30.

Continue reading →