Celebrating the Exceptional Service of AmeriCorps Members

Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards Recognize Exceptional Service

The AmeriCorps agency has once again come together to celebrate the incredible contributions of its members through the Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards. This annual event honors dedicated individuals and innovative programs that embody the spirit and mission of national service. Recently, four exceptional AmeriCorps members and two standout grantees were recognized for their outstanding impact under the State and National program.

Cherishing Service and Community Impact

Michael D. Smith, the CEO of AmeriCorps, emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating, “These remarkable individuals and programs exemplify the very best of what AmeriCorps stands for—dedication, innovation, and a deep commitment to service. Their work is not only transforming lives but also strengthening the fabric of our communities.” The awards proudly spotlight these contributions and highlight the importance of national service in driving community change.

Impactful Service Award Winners

This year’s Impactful Service Award was bestowed upon Kathryn Yang, who works tirelessly with the Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services. Her advocacy for vulnerable youth has not only addressed homelessness but also worked extensively against sexual exploitation, marking a lasting positive influence on her community.

Awards for Inclusive Service

Recognition for the Inclusive Service Award was given to the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. Their American Sign Language Inclusion Program has significantly improved accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in New Mexico, showcasing how inclusivity can be integrated into service initiatives.

Innovative and Lifetime of Service Leadership

Jeevanjot "JJ" Kapur of CultureAll in Iowa received the Innovative Service Award for his pioneering efforts through the Open Book Project, which connects diverse communities, fostering understanding and digital inclusion within rural Iowa.

Karen Baker, Executive Director of the Yolo Food Bank, earned the Lifetime of Service Award for her decades of commitment to community resilience and disaster preparedness, exemplifying the impact of dedicated leadership in service.

Disaster Response and Community Engagement

The Outstanding AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team Award was presented to the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, recognizing their remarkable efforts in disaster response across the Midwest, providing support during critical times.

Juliet Vibert, the Disaster Corps Manager at SBP, was awarded the Excellence in Disaster Services Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership in training AmeriCorps members during urgent disaster scenarios.

Empowering Native and Indigenous Leadership

The Chinle Chapter of the Navajo Nation received the Native and Indigenous Leadership in Service Award, highlighting their transformative work in health, infrastructure, and disaster relief, which has had a profound effect on their community.

Legacy of Service Through AmeriCorps

Since the inception of AmeriCorps nearly three decades ago, the program has seen over 1.3 million Americans engage in national service, working diligently to address vital issues. Thousands of AmeriCorps members continue to drive change by preparing students for future success, rebuilding communities, assisting veterans, and addressing various social challenges.

The Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, exemplify the innovative programs and dedicated service that are tackling our nation’s urgent needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the AmeriCorps Excellence Awards?

The AmeriCorps Excellence Awards honor members and programs for outstanding service, innovation, and contributions to community betterment.

Who were the 2024 recipients of the awards?

This year's awards recognized Kathryn Yang, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Jeevanjot Kapur, Karen Baker, the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, Juliet Vibert, and the Chinle Chapter of the Navajo Nation.

How does AmeriCorps benefit communities?

AmeriCorps connects members with various service opportunities that tackle pressing issues, improve lives, and strengthen civic engagement across communities.

How can I get involved with AmeriCorps?

Individuals can learn how to serve by visiting AmeriCorps’ official website, where various opportunities are available based on personal interests and capacities.

What are the different categories of the AmeriCorps awards?

The awards are presented in various categories, including the Impactful Service Award, Inclusive Service Award, Innovative Service Award, Lifetime of Service Award, and several others recognizing disaster response and leadership.

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