Charleston Gazette-Mail – AmeriCorps is a vital engine for progress in our state, and the recent decision to cancel $3 million in AmeriCorps grants in West Virginia represents a major setback. These cuts threaten to derail disaster response efforts, disrupt support for students who need it most and weaken the infrastructure of national service at a time when we can least afford it. According to the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, these cuts have already cost West Virginians more than $200 million.
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For organizations like Teach For America (TFA), where I began my education career, AmeriCorps funding is foundational. These grants enable the organization to bring thousands of passionate, capable individuals into classrooms where the need is greatest. TFA corps members, who consistently drive strong outcomes for students, count on the AmeriCorps education award to offset costs associated with teacher training and certification.
Indeed, for me, the AmeriCorps benefits were critical to joining Teach For America. I grew up in a low-income community and took out loans to attend a public university. As I approached graduation, I was unclear about the direction I wanted to take. When I found Teach For America, its mission resonated deeply, and the fact that public service would help me pay off my student loans made it possible for me to go into teaching. I’ve now been in the education field for a decade.
