Over the past decade the concept of taking a gap year has become mainstream in the US. This idea of delaying enrollment, or taking a break from college, before beginning a bachelor's degree, has gained popularity, especially as the cost of attendance in higher education has soared and the burden of paying for it has been placed on the student as…

Within this document are testimony and prepared statements delivered at a congressional subcommittee hearing in a Connecticut high school on a bill that would encourage volunteering by 15- to 26-year-olds by creating a National Youth Service Program. The bill is summarized within the document. The following individuals' presentations about how to…

This document is a transcript of oral and written testimony given by persons testifying about the Older American Volunteer Programs as reauthorization legislation is being considered. Oral or written testimony was presented by: the director of the voluntary agency, ACTION; the president of the National Association of Foster Grandparents; the…

This document records the oral and written testimony at three hearings on proposed legislation that would amend the National Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a corporation for national service, enhance opportunities for such service, and provide awards for participants in the program. Witnesses included the following: U.S. senators;…

AmeriCorps is the largest national and community service program since the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. Data from meeting with officials of AmeriCorps*USA; examination of grant files for all grantees' programs; review of Corporation program policies, guidance, and plans; random sampling of programs; and site visits to seven…

The Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 authorizes ACTION, an independent agency, to administer six volunteer programs including the three components under Title II, the Older Americans Volunteer Program (OAVP). The programs under OAVP--the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and the Senior Companion…

This policy memorandum provides a summary of what is known about voluntary activity in the United States in general and in Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) service delivery areas (SDAs) in particular. It suggests possible short- and long-term policy strategies that might be used to increase the effectiveness of voluntary service in JTPA…

This congressional report contains the testimony that was given on the proposed Federal Voluntary Service Opportunities for Young People Act of 1987, which is an act to establish a commission to study federal voluntary service opportunities for youth, particularly a national youth service. Testimony was provided by representatives of the following…

This document contains testimony and written statements on a proposal to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize grants to states for demonstration projects that provide services to older persons in return for their service as volunteers. Persons testifying included representatives of the Reagan Administration, voluntary nonprofit…

National service offers an appealing vehicle for engaging senior citizens to respond to unmet needs in education, health care, public safety, the environment, and other essential areas. Involving seniors in national service will help alleviate the country's pressing domestic problems, enhancing participants' personal development, and bolstering…

This document contains the amended text of H.R. 4330, the National Service Act, a bill to establish school-based and higher education community service programs, to establish youth service programs, and to establish a model Good Samaritan food donation program, which was recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor. The document also…

This document reports the testimony and prepared statements of witnesses at two Congressional hearings on the issue of national service. Witnesses included representatives to Congress from Michigan, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Maryland, and California; directors of state voluntary agencies; chief administrators of colleges and universities; volunteers;…

A program of voluntary national service intended to create new opportunities for citizens to serve their country and each other is proposed by the Democratic Leadership Council. The proposed program would create a Citizens Corps, essentially a new GI Bill, expanded to include civilian as well as military service to the nation. It would be…

One of the goals for volunteers in the Peace Corps of the United States is to teach U.S. citizens about the people and culture of their host countries. World Wise Schools promotes this goal by matching current Peace Corps volunteers with 3rd through 12th grade classes throughout the United States in information exchanges. This guide is designed to…

The emerging youth service movement has reinforced and built on the foundation of service in traditional organizations and focuses on tapping youth talent and energy. Youth service is a concept that has roots in pre-20th century American society. Service programs today increasingly include training, education, prevention, and employment…