1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

I am a Commissioner for Oklahoma Americorps. Yesterday I was notified that program funding, even for the current year, would be slashed 40-80%. AmeriCorps funding throughout Oklahoma and promote national service as an effective means of tackling our state’s toughest challenges. AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions/practices to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.   Most of the funded AmeriCorps programs in Oklahoma serve children's academic needs, to improve literacy, overall school performance and student confidence. The value of the skills taught and their impact on the future of our state and economy cannot be overstated. Please stop the Americorps funding cuts. Thank you for your consideration.