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Amid the Trump administration’s cuts to service and jobs programs, New York City is increasing its investment.
The Adams administration announced Sept. 9 that it was committing $3.2 million to expand the city’s Civic Corps Program to all five boroughs, creating 150 full-time service positions at more than 80 public-sector organizations.
Launched in 2009 and run by NYC Service, a division of the office of the mayor, the NYC Civic Corps recruits and places members of AmeriCorps, a federal agency focused on service and volunteerism to address community needs, to serve 10-month terms at select community-based organizations or city agencies, getting them professional experience while helping New Yorkers.
A NYS AmeriCorps grant and the city’s investment support the program.The city’s investment means the program can maintain support for its partners, despite federal cuts, and expand existing opportunities, said the city's chief service officer, Laura Rog.
“Organizations depend on the service of AmeriCorps members to reach New Yorkers and underserved communities with dignity and crucial resources,” Rog said at a Tuesday press event. “This investment means nearly 90,000 New Yorkers are anticipated to receive support as a direct result from an NYC Civic Corps member this coming year.”
NYC Service is now recruiting people to fill the 150 roles across the city. Applicants have until Sept. 28 to complete an application at nyc.gov/servenyc.
The cohort of NYC Civic Corps members will begin their term in October and receive a living allowance, 150 hours of training and other benefits such as free MetroCards. Those who complete the program are eligible for financial assistance for future or past educational costs.
Earlier this year, the Trump Administration planned to close $400 million worth of programs supported by AmeriCorps. But, after a coalition of 22 attorneys general and two governors sued in April, it agreed to release $184 million for the federal agency.
The deputy mayor for administration, Camille Joseph Varlack, said the team “stood up and stood firm” in the face of uncertainty and cuts from Washington.
“These roles create real economic opportunity for working-class New Yorkers,” she said. “They strengthen the capacity of nonprofits to expand access to services in our most vulnerable communities and open pathways to careers in public service.”
Rog said the investment will fund stewardship of green spaces in Staten Island, nutrition education in Queens, school support for children of incarcerated families in the Bronx, health education in Brooklyn and aid to veterans and immigrants in Manhattan.
Beth Tailleur, the acting executive director of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service, said that “despite facing some difficult challenges this year, the service community in New York State stands proud and ready to transform obstacles into opportunities for service and growth.”
“I greatly appreciate NYC Service’s commitment to serving others,” Tailleur added. “I congratulate them on being awarded a new AmeriCorps grant for the NYC Civic Corps program and I look forward to our continued partnership.”
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