Universities are using the Serve America Act to help college graduates who are seeking jobs in a down economy turn to volunteer opportunities post-graduation. President Obama recently signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which aims to boost the number of college graduates who choose to participate in national service.  The act will expand AmeriCorps programming by tripling the number of available positions annually over the next eight years. Additionally, the education award given to those who complete their service will be increased from $4,725 to $5,350, which is the first increase since the program started in 1993. The award can be used to pay off student loans, or be put towards further degrees.

Students at Eastern Washington University are taking advantage of the university’s Students In Service Program (SIS) which promotes volunteer opportunities though the AmeriCorps Program. The program had 50 participants last year.  Washington Campus Compact (WACC) – a statewide coalition to create civil service opportunities for college students – executive director Jennifer Dorr said EWU has been awarded 55 part-time AmeriCorps positions as part of SIS in the 2008-2009 year as part of the Serve America Act.
 
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