AmeriCorps and its partners have exceeded President Biden’s ambitious recruitment target of 250,000 tutors and mentors for schools, a year ahead of the original deadline.
By mobilizing volunteers across the United States, they’ve not only achieved their aim but expanded critical educational support for students nationwide, as revealed by a recent report from the Johns Hopkins Everyone Graduates Center.
The Achievement: Who, What, When, and Why
AmeriCorps, alongside the US Department of Education and the National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS), exceeded the goal of 250,000 additional mentors and tutors well before the 2025 deadline.
Over the past two academic years (2022-2024), more than 323,000 volunteers have stepped up, working in public schools and youth organizations to provide essential academic and emotional support for students recovering from the impacts of the pandemic.
Increased Support Across Schools
Public schools across the nation saw a significant boost in support programs during the 2023-24 school year. According to the Johns Hopkins report:
- An estimated 136,000 new volunteers provided tutoring, mentoring, and other vital student support.
- In the 2022-23 academic year, an additional 187,000 volunteers joined the effort.
This level of engagement has allowed schools to bolster resources like high-intensity tutoring and wraparound services, ensuring that students receive the help they need.
AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith noted,
“The impact of these individuals, including AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, cannot be overstated. They are addressing the gaps widened by the pandemic and providing critical support to educators.”
Diverse Programs and Community Collaboration
The success of this recruitment drive can be attributed to AmeriCorps and NPSS’s collaborative approach. Programs like high-intensity tutoring, college and career advising, and mentorship were enhanced through strategic partnerships with local nonprofits, educational institutions, and community groups.
“When young people have trusted adults who they can count on, they’re more likely to do better in school and are better prepared for their future,” emphasized U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
In the 2023-24 school year:
- 73% of school principals reported using at least one NPSS student support to reduce absenteeism.
- 90% of high school principals offered college and career advising.
The NPSS Support Hub has played a crucial role, bringing together over 200 youth-serving organizations, school districts, and institutions of higher education to offer guidance, training, and resources.
Student Support Programs Across Schools
Support Program |
Percentage of Schools Implementing |
|---|---|
| High-Intensity Tutoring | 52% |
| Mentoring | 50% |
| College/Career Advising | 90% (High Schools) |
This table demonstrates the widespread implementation of NPSS-aligned student support programs across different education levels, underscoring the scale of AmeriCorps’ impact.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism and Expanding Volunteer Opportunities
The drive has also helped schools tackle chronic absenteeism, a growing concern in the aftermath of the pandemic. NPSS programs have shown measurable success, with schools reporting the use of wraparound supports, mentoring, and high-intensity tutoring to keep students engaged.
To ensure continued progress:
- AmeriCorps expanded its grant opportunities through the American Rescue Plan.
- The NPSS Support Hub launched new training materials and mini-grants, encouraging youth-serving organizations to further develop evidence-based support strategies.
A Call for Ongoing Engagement
Despite this early achievement, the work continues. Schools across the United States still face challenges, particularly in ensuring all students receive necessary support services. Only a subset of those needing high-intensity tutoring, mentoring, or college advising currently have access.
AmeriCorps and its partners are encouraging more institutions to get involved. By utilizing funds like Federal Work-Study and state programs, they aim to place more college students in roles supporting P-12 students, further expanding their impact.
To Sum Up
AmeriCorps has not only met but exceeded its ambitious recruitment target well ahead of schedule, proving the power of collaboration in addressing educational needs.
With continued support and engagement, the initiative aims to close the gaps and provide all students the resources they need for a successful future.
As AmeriCorps and the NPSS move forward, their efforts exemplify a lasting commitment to uplifting students and communities across the nation.
Sources: THX News & AmeriCorps.
