Colorado Service Network

The following is a brief introduction to the “streams of service” operating national service programs in Colorado. For specific program listings, see AmeriCorps in Colorado.

A Brief Explanation of the Structure

Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is the federal entity that administers national service programs for persons serving in the United States. (Peace Corps administers the program for people serving outside of the United States.) CNS administers a number of programs, referred to as “Streams of Service,” including AmeriCorps*State, AmeriCorps*National Direct, AmeriCorps*VISTA, AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps, Learn & Serve (Higher Education, K-12, and Community-Based), and National Senior Service Corps. CNS provides partial funding for national service programs to Colorado.

Colorado national-service programs include AmeriCorps*State, AmeriCorps*National Direct, AmeriCorps*VISTA, AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps, Learn & Serve (Higher Education, K-12, and Community-Based), VISTA, and National Senior Service Corps. These agencies form the nucleus of the Colorado Service Network, the statewide network of national service offices in Colorado. Colorado national-service programs are administered by five CNS-supported agencies:

AmeriCorps*State (17 and above)

AmeriCorps* State programs are awarded to sponsoring organizations through a grant proposal process. These programs provide opportunities for Members to serve communities full or part-time while earning an education voucher at the end of the service term. Program staff and Members build enduring relationships with those whom they serve in host communities.

AmeriCorps*National Direct (ages 17 and above)

Several AmeriCorps*National Direct programs operate in Colorado to get things done in communities. AmeriCorps *National Direct programs are programs sponsored by national nonprofit organizations that operate multiple sites operating in multiple states. Programs build on existing networks of youth and service programs being administered by the parent organization.

Learn & Serve K-12 (ages 5-18)

Learn & Serve K-12, also known as Service Learning Colorado, teaches an ethic of service and community awareness by involving school-aged youth in community service activities that address local needs and is integrated with school curricula. By viewing and promoting youth as resources, Learn & Serve is the critical beginning of Colorado's "continuum of service.” Learn & Serve introduces Colorado's youth to the values of community service, citizenship, and career opportunities. By integrating service and service learning as a teaching and learning strategy in schools, young people become more involved, productive citizens.

Learn & Serve Higher Education (ages 18 and above)

Learn & Serve Higher Education, administered in Colorado by the Colorado Campus Compact, teaches an ethic of service and community awareness by involving college-aged youth in service activities that address local needs and integrate service with college and career experiences. AmeriCorps Members through CCI are students at one of the eight participating schools.

Learn & Serve Community-Based (all ages)

The Learn & Serve Community-Based program uses community and faith-based organizations as the vehicle for engaging youth and adults in service and civic activities. By connecting service and civic participation to real challenges and needs, this program helps youth transfer and expand their service-learning skills and create a meaningful impact on their community.

National Civilian Community Corps (ages 18-24)

AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a full-time, ten-month long residential program which engages young adults in teams of ten or more with team leaders that conduct high impact service projects nationwide. NCCC Members live and train in one of five regional campuses that serve multiple states. The Denver NCCC Campus serves a 17-state region. Colorado is fortunate to be able to draw upon the resources of NCCC in building a strong ethic of service in Colorado. AmeriCorps*NCCC, located at the former Lowry Air Force Base, has dedicated one-third of its time and resources (7 of 21 teams) to meeting the needs and priorities of Colorado. This emphasis on Colorado communities directly benefits communities statewide.

National Senior Service Corps (ages 55 and above)

The National Senior Service Corps is comprised of three distinct programs: 1) Senior Companion Program, which offers part-time stipended volunteer opportunities for low-income persons who provide personal support services to adults with exceptional or special needs; 2) Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, which promotes the use of older Americans as community resources in planning for community improvement and in the delivery of volunteer services; and 3) Foster Grandparent Program, which provides supportive services in health, education, welfare or related settings to alleviate problems of children having special or exceptional needs. The mission of all Senior Service Corps programs is to provide opportunities for retired persons to participate fully in their community through significant volunteer service.

Volunteers In Service To America (ages 18 and above)

Approximately 100 AmeriCorps*VISTA Members serve in Colorado. VISTA Members serve full-time for one year. The mission of VISTA is to strengthen and supplement efforts to eliminate and alleviate poverty in the United States. VISTA Members are placed in nonprofit agencies for the purpose of building the capacity of organizations and citizens to respond to the problems of local communities.

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