Campus Progress applauds the overwhelming passage of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act yesterday in the House of Representatives. The GIVE Act answers President Obama’s call to create new opportunities for all Americans – and specifically young people – to engage in service and volunteerism to improve their communities and the country as a whole. The GIVE Act encourages the enthusiasm, passion and drive of young people in uncertain times by rewarding service with essential support for their education and professional development. It also represents an important step towards ensuring that young people of all economic backgrounds are able to play a crucial role in tackling our nation’s problems head on and building a better a future.

Campus Progress is especially inspired by the provisions of the GIVE Act that attempt to address the pressing problems of the rising costs of higher education and climate change, specifically:

- Tripling the number of AmeriCorps volunteers, from the 75,000 to 250,000, and increasing the education reward they receive to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. Awards will also keep pace with future increases in Pell Grant scholarship in order to account for rising college costs.

- Placing a high priority on green initiatives, such as environmental and energy conservation, urban and rural development, and disaster relief. The GIVE Act also creates green and other new service corps to address the needs of low-income, traditionally under-served communities.

Other highlights of the GIVE Act include:

- Recognizing and supporting colleges and universities engaged in service by establishing a “Campuses of Service” initiative.

- Boosting opportunities for disadvantaged youth, including people with disabilities, to help them become more involved in service.

- Establishing a “Summer of Service” program that engages middle and high school students in volunteer activities in their communities and allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs.

- Making high school students part of the solution to challenges in their communities by establishing Youth Engagement Zones, a new service-learning program.

- Creating a national call to service campaign to encourage all Americans to get involved in service and designating September 11th a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The GIVE Act now faces a critical vote in the Senate. Call or write your Senator today to tell them to support this important legislation!

For more detailed information on the GIVE Act, please click here.