AmeriCorps is an American network of more than 3,000 non-profit organizations, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. It was created in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. More than 70,000 individuals join AmeriCorps each year. There have been more than 500,000 members since 1994. The work done by these groups ranges from public education to environmental clean-up.
AmeriCorps is a division of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees the Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. Collectively, these three programs represent a total of more than 2 million members in service each year. AmeriCorps itself is split into three main divisions, including AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), and NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).
AmeriCorps dates to the early 1990s. Research has illustrated that AmeriCorps programs have a variety of effects on civic education, education, and public service.