Create youth service corps

Money for youth service and energy conservation

Updated: Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 | By Angie Drobnic Holan

President Barack Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in April 2009. While that bill does not create a new "5-E" service corps, it does send more money to youth service, and expands formal service goals to include energy conservation and clean energy activities.

The bill reauthorizes the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs through 2014. It also adds language that the corporation's purpose will focus national service on "education, energy conservation, and improving the health status of and economic opportunity for economically disadvantaged individuals."

Separately, the legislation also includes new authority for a "summer of service" program providing a $500 award (up to $750 for disadvantaged youth) for rising sixth- to 12th-graders who complete 100 hours in an approved position.

Congress fully funded Obama's appropriations request for the Corporation for National and Community Service by approving its budget on Dec. 16, 2009.

This is enough progress toward the goals of this promise for us to rate it In the Works.

Sources:

The Corporation for National and Community Service, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 , April 21, 2009

The Corporation for National and Community Service, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act Summary , April 21, 2009

The Corporation for National and Community Service, 2010 budget