West Virginia has been awarded more than $6.4 million in federal funding to expand National Service and community support programs across the state. The funds, awarded through AmeriCorps, will be administered by Volunteer West Virginia—the State’s Commission for National and Community Service.
More than $4.8 million in AmeriCorps State and National funding in West Virginia was secured through a competitive federal grant process to support local programming with the United Way of Central West Virginia (LifeBridge), the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, WVU Extension (Energy Express), The Education Alliance, and High Rocks. Additionally, Volunteer West Virginia received nearly $1.6 million in formula grant funding to support the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, Grow Ohio Valley, Tygart Valley United Way, and Conservation Legacy (WV READY). This funding will also support planning grants which will allow nonprofit organizations to receive a year of training on how to run an AmeriCorps program in the future.
"We are excited to partner with AmeriCorps to bring vital resources to West Virginia," said Jessica Sammons, Executive Director of Volunteer West Virginia. "Every day, our AmeriCorps members serve on the frontlines—tutoring children, expanding access to fresh local food, providing substance use prevention education, improving local parks and trails, and restoring historical landmarks. We look forward to continuing our partnership with AmeriCorps to expand these transformative service opportunities across every corner of our state."
AmeriCorps funding invests in six core focus areas designed to meet critical local needs and strengthen communities from the ground up: Education, by supporting student achievement and expanding pathways to higher education; Economic Opportunity, by building workforce skills and helping families achieve financial stability; Environmental Stewardship, by conserving natural spaces; Healthy Futures, by addressing food insecurity and promoting overall community wellness; Veterans & Military Families, by connecting service members to employment and earned benefits; and Disaster Services, by assisting local communities with recovery and relief efforts when emergencies strike.
Each year, over 450 AmeriCorps State and National members serve across West Virginia through programs funded by Volunteer West Virginia. Some serve in their own hometowns, while others travel from across the country to make West Virginia their home for a year.
In 2025, AmeriCorps members made a difference across West Virginia by addressing critical community needs and strengthening local organizations. Members provided 44,382 healthy meals, supported 9,391 children, and connected 954 individuals with substance use intervention services. In addition to expanding job training and placement for 228 residents, members restored 11 historic properties and supported 4,767 acres of natural spaces. Amplifying their reach, AmeriCorps members recruited and managed 4,533 community volunteers, who together contributed 36,539 hours of service to mountain state communities. For more information view Volunteer West Virginia’s 2025 Annual Report.
After completing a service term, AmeriCorps members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs. Those who complete AmeriCorps service in West Virginia also qualify for the West Virginia AmeriCorps Tuition Waiver, which allows for up to eight semesters of tuition and fees at West Virginia public universities and colleges to be waived. For more information about the tuition waiver, read the FAQs available on Volunteer West Virginia’s website.
If you are interested in serving with AmeriCorps visit my.americorps.gov to search for opportunities. For information about how to start an AmeriCorps program, please contact
americorps@wv.gov. More information about Volunteer WV is available at
volunteer.wv.gov.