History of AmeriCorps in Timeline

AmeriCorps is a United States government agency created in 1993 that engages Americans in various stipended volunteer programs, including AmeriCorps VISTA, NCCC, State and National, and Seniors. Its mission focuses on improving lives, strengthening communities, and fostering civic engagement through service and volunteering. Over five million Americans have participated in AmeriCorps programs. While the official name remains unchanged, the agency rebranded itself as AmeriCorps in September 2020.

1965: VISTA Founded

In 1965, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) was founded as a domestic version of the Peace Corps.

1990: National and Community Service Act Signed into Law

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the National and Community Service Act of 1990 into law, marking a renewed federal focus on encouraging volunteering and creating the Commission on National and Community Service.

1990: Creation of the Commission on National and Community Service

In 1990, the National and Community Service Act led to the creation of the Commission on National and Community Service, a new independent federal agency, signed into law by President George H. W. Bush.

1992: Creation of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)

In 1992, the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) was created as a demonstration program as part of the 1993 National Defense Authorization Act.

February 25, 1993: First Hearing with the House on The National and Community Service Trust Act

On February 25, 1993, the first hearing with the House on the National and Community Service Trust Act where the Committee on Education and Labor was there to help push the bill out there.

April 19, 1993: Introduction of The National and Community Service Trust Act to the Senate

On April 19, 1993, The National and Community Service Trust Act was introduced to the Senate.

August 6, 1993: The Conference Report Passed in the House

On August 6, 1993, the conference report for The National and Community Service Trust Act passed in the House.

September 8, 1993: The Conference Report Passed in the Senate

On September 8, 1993, the conference report for The National and Community Service Trust Act passed in the Senate.

September 21, 1993: The National and Community Service Trust Act Passed

On September 21, 1993, the National and Community Service Trust Act was passed when it was signed by President Clinton.

1993: Enactment of the National Civilian Community Corps

Enacted as part of the 1993 National Defense Authorization Act, the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is created as a demonstration program to explore the possibility of using post-Cold War military resources to help solve problems here at home.

1993: Creation of the Corporation for National and Community Service

In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed The National and Community Service Trust Act, which formally merged ACTION and the Commission on National and Community Service to form the Corporation for National and Community Service, including the new AmeriCorps program.

1993: Creation of AmeriCorps

In 1993, The National and Community Service Trust Act led to the creation of AmeriCorps.

1993: End of the Commission on National and Community Service

In 1993, the Commission on National and Community Service ended when the Corporation for National and Community Service was created by merging it with ACTION.

2002: Creation of the USA Freedom Corps

In 2002, President George W. Bush created the USA Freedom Corps.

2007: Study on AmeriCorps Alumni

According to a 2007 study released by AmeriCorps, a majority of AmeriCorps alumni claimed they gained life and job skills. The study also reported that 71% of alumni were incentivized by the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award and 41% received a four-year college degree within three years of entering AmeriCorps.

2013: Allegations of Sexual Harassment, Abusive Behavior and Mismanagement

Since 2013, there were multiple allegations of sexual harassment, abusive behavior and mismanagement in AmeriCorps programs.

September 12, 2014: Launch of Employers of National Service Initiative

On September 12, 2014, President Barack Obama launched the Employers of National Service initiative at the 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps event. This initiative connects employers to AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other service year alumni.

2018: CBS News Radio Investigation into AmeriCorps Programs

In 2018, CBS News Radio investigated complaints about AmeriCorps programs and found multiple allegations of sexual harassment, abusive behavior, and mismanagement since 2013.

September 2020: Agency Rebranded

In September 2020, the Corporation for National and Community Service rebranded itself as AmeriCorps, although its official name remained unchanged.

2020: Agency Rebranded

In 2020, the agency was rebranded as "AmeriCorps".

December 22, 2024: Current Board Members

On December 22, 2024, the current board members were listed.

April 2025: Staff Placed on Leave and NCCC Shutdown

In April 2025, approximately 75% of AmeriCorps staff were placed on paid leave after a visit from the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency. The organization also shut down the National Civilian Community Corps, including FEMA Corps.