In recognition of AmeriCorps’ 30th anniversary, we aligned the 2024 AmeriCorps Texas Grantee Meeting with the larger celebration of national service with the theme Celebrate the Moment. Strengthen the Movement. This milestone provided a unique opportunity to leverage the wisdom of the past while embracing innovative approaches to drive even greater impact across the Lone Star State.
Some notable highlights of this year’s AmeriCorps Texas Grantee Meeting include:
- Celebrating a 30 year legacy. We commemorated 30 years of AmeriCorps by reflecting on how much national service has grown in Texas – from 10 programs with $3.6 million in funding in 2004 to 40 programs funded at $33.6 million this year! The impact of national service was also evident in the stories in the room: nearly 30 percent of attendees were AmeriCorps alums, each individual a testament to the life-changing influence of answering the call to service. During the event, we displayed stories and photos from attendees who had previously served.
- Engagement from national leaders. We were honored to have leaders from the federal AmeriCorps agency host sessions that offered forward-looking, big-picture perspectives to grantees. AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith facilitated an engaging panel of AmeriCorps alums that provided diverse examples on how national service can lead to meaningful careers. Stephen Ravas, who leads the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General, equipped grantees with insights on how to fight against waste, fraud, and abuse and improve efficiency of our programs. We are grateful for federal leaders who take the time to listen, back up words with action, and cast an inspiring vision for the future national service.
- Reconnecting with AmeriCorps alums. We had a special opportunity this year to bring together AmeriCorps alums to reconnect with the network and meet with current leaders of the national service movement. Nearly 40 participants gathered for our AmeriCorps Alums Social Hour at Turnstile Coffee, Beer and Spirits during the first day of the AmeriCorps Texas Grantee Meeting. Special thanks to AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith, AmeriCorps Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships Yasmeen Shaheen-McConnell, and AmeriCorps Director of Public Engagement Tannikka Richardson for joining us in this special celebration!
- Highlighting excellence through AmeriCorps Texas Awards. We were thrilled to host the first-ever AmeriCorps Texas Awards as a showcase of the stellar accomplishments of AmeriCorps programs that have demonstrated an inspiring commitment to strengthening local communities and building up future leaders. We could think of no better way to commemorate 30 years of AmeriCorps than to raise up these impactful and innovative programs that embody the best of national service. Congratulations on this year’s extraordinary awardees, and thank you for inspiring us to reach for the stars!
I joined AmeriCorps given a commitment to educational excellence and equity. Through my experience, I learned that real, long-term change happens most enduringly through community and in partnership with others… It is the act of service that provides the opportunity to work in partnership, to develop community, and to create lasting, positive change in our country.
AmeriCorps Texas Awards 2024
| Stellar First Year | Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan |
| Member Experience Shining Star | CitySquare |
| Member Development Guiding Star | Austin Achieve Public Schools |
| Collaborative Partnership Constellation | Communities In Schools of San Antonio |
| Stewardship Superstar | Equal Heart |
| Community Impact Supernova | Literacy First |
