Share


U.S. Sen. Harkin: Announces deadline extended for Iowans to apply to be in the first Americorps NCCC class in Vinton
4/14/2008

Contact: Jennifer Mullin / Semonti Mustaphi (202) 224-3254

Iowans between the ages of 18-24 must apply by new May 15th deadline

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Iowans interested in joining the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) in Vinton, IA will get an extra month to submit their applications. The NCCC extended the deadline to May 15th to allow for more candidates to apply for their program. As Chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds the Americorps program, Harkin worked to designate Vinton as the site for the Americorps NCCC facility, and secured $2.5 million to transform the former Iowa School for the Blind into the new campus.

“This extended deadline for applications means that more of our community-minded young leaders can make their career goals a reality by seeking these coveted positions. I hope Iowans, young and old, will urge their friends and family and take advantage of the new state-of-the-art service facility right here in our own backyards that will allow them to give back to Iowa communities now and prepare them for great careers in the future,” said Harkin.

NCCC members serve in 10 – 12 person teams for ten months. They are trained in CPR, first aid, public safety, and other skills before beginning their first service project. The volunteer teams undertake a variety of community projects, including building and rehabilitating low-income housing, responding to natural disasters, tutoring students, cleaning up waterways, and helping communities develop emergency plans. Service projects typically last from six to eight weeks.

After their service, NCCC members receive an education award worth $4,725, which can be used as a scholarship or loan repayment. 

The new facility in Vinton will open this June and is one of only five centers in the nation. In addition to the volunteer opportunities the new facility will offer, the Vinton campus will employ 160 individuals, 25 percent of which will be locally recruited. Additionally, all of the campus’ first-round service projects will serve Iowa communities. Harkin argued in favor of Vinton because of its proximity to I-80 and I-35, and its safety and disability access.

To learn more about the NCCC or apply online, please visit http://www.americorps.gov.


Printer-friendly version      Send this article to a friend      Share