Service-contingent student loan forgiveness and loan repayment programs enable borrowers to have all or part of their student loan debt forgiven or repaid in exchange for work or service in specific fields or professions. In both loan forgiveness and loan repayment programs, borrowers typically qualify for benefits by working or serving in certain…

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…

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was established in 2007 and forgives borrowers' remaining federal student loan balances after they have made at least 10 years of qualifying loan payments while working in public service. Starting in September 2017, the first borrowers potentially became eligible for the PSLF program and began…

Starting in September 2017, the first borrowers became eligible and began applying to have their loans forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to review the PSLF program. This report examines the (1) number of borrowers pursuing PSLF and the extent to which the…

Becoming a teacher takes years of higher education and hard work. The financial and personal costs can be great. The good news is that there are more chances than ever for teachers-in-training and new teachers to reduce their financial burden. There are two main ways students can get financial aid: with loans and with grants. Many students take on…

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 hearing was held to obtain testimony on H.R. 3859, a bill to authorize assistance to the Washington Center for Internship and Academic Seminars. The Center operates a partnership program that enables colleges and universities to extend their campuses to Washington, D.C. The Center provides an academic program that combines seminars and course…

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…

After five years, the AmeriCorps program, a federal program designed to encourage youth to perform public service by providing substantial scholarships after completion, has been both praised as effective in getting things done and criticized as cost-ineffective. Some feel the money could have been better spent for federal grants or work-study…

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…

The resurgence of national interest in youth service is due, in large part, to the national organizations that have grown so vigorously in recent years. Some explanations for the almost sudden reappearance of youth service as a nationwide issue are: (1) many Americans are fed up with narcissism, personal gratification, and me-centered pursuits;…

This report evaluates the cost effectiveness of the Civilian Conservation Centers (CCCs) which are part of the Job Corps program but operated under inter-agency agreement by the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior. Data are from the program year beginning July 1, 1984. Information is presented on: (1) the costs, job placements, and…

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…