In his Inaugural Address, President Obama beckoned individuals to a call to national action. In late March, the Congress advanced this summons by enacting the Serve America Act of 2009, which was also renamed the “Senator Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act,” to commemorate the Senator’s dedication to national service.  Although the Act awaits President Obama’s signature, he has signaled his support.

Enactment of this sweeping legislation may hold opportunities for service organizations who already participate in programs such as AmeriCorps and VISTA, or which have considered launching such programs.

The Serve America Act covers a range of priorities ranging from service-learning programs for youth to support for older Americans. Programs established by the Act include energy conservation, emergency preparedness, expanding access to technology and mentoring. The AmeriCorps program has been organized around five focused corps covering education, energy conservation, healthy futures, veterans and an Opportunity Corps to improve literacy, build housing, increase job training and other services to economically disadvantaged individuals.

Eligibility for AmeriCorps and other national service programs has been reduced to 55 years of age and permits participants to collect stipends in addition to education credits. Education credits earned by older participants may be transferred to related children and grandchildren.

The law also creates the National Senior Service Corps, which includes Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program. Increases in funding have been authorized to support these programs.

Final funding levels will be determined by appropriations approved later in the year by Congress, and regulations will be determined by respective Federal and state agencies.

For more information on national service programs, contact: The Corporation for National and Community Service at www.nationalservice.org.