Norton Introduces Bill to Expand AmeriCorps, Reduce Youth Unemployment

Statement

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill today to help reduce the number of unemployed young Americans by expanding AmeriCorps to allow unemployed young people who have mostly completed college or high school to earn a stipend sufficient to support themselves, as well as an education award, while gaining valuable work experience. Norton's bill would allow states and localities to boost personnel for badly needed services, such as after school and elderly programs, without requiring new administrative structure or bureaucracy.

"Expanding AmeriCorps would have immediate benefits both for our economy and for young Americans still struggling to find work," Norton said. "These young people who have worked hard to get their high school education or college degrees deserve better than competing for unpaid internships. They deserve the opportunity to earn a living while serving their communities."

Source