Fattah Statement on the 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps

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Sep 12, 2014, 08:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) released a statement commemorating the 20^th anniversary of the swearing in of the first class of AmeriCorps volunteers. On September 12, 1994 20,000 AmeriCorps members began serving in more than 1,000 communities nationwide, a year after President Clinton signed the Community Service Trust Act of 1993. Since coming to Congress, Fattah has been a leading advocate of programs for young people committed to national service:

"More than 20 years ago, President Clinton had a vision to increase opportunities for young Americans to give back to their country, while earning funding to continue their education. Today, we celebrate the success of AmeriCorps and salute the 900,000-plus individuals who have served since the program was launched. In Philadelphia alone, almost 2,000 young people are serving our community day-in and day-out at schools, community groups, and nonprofits around the city. On this 20^th anniversary, we acknowledge the committed efforts of these individuals who are inspired to give back to their communities, as well as the many champions who have shaped the program along the way. Together, they have contributed to the program's twenty years of success and made an immeasurable impact in cities and towns across the country.

"While our communities are strengthened by the outstanding services AmeriCorps members provide, these young adults in turn are provided valuable job experience, skills training, professional development opportunities, and a pathway towards promising career opportunities. A tradition of service remains critical to our country's success as a nation; I am proud to have championed this program in Congress and look forward to helping the program grow and evolve as it enters its next decade."

www.fattah.house.gov

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah