Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 21, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke announces multi-million dollar grant to expand Washington Service Corps and AmeriCorps programs

MABTON - Gov. Gary Locke today announced a new $7.1 million grant that will fund 700 positions for Washington Service Corps and AmeriCorps service programs throughout the state. Locke made the announcement in Seattle and in Mabton in Yakima County.


"I am extremely pleased we can expand these vital volunteer programs in Washington state," Locke said to a group of AmeriCorps members at the Rotary Boys and Girls Club in Seattle. "By participating in these programs you make a tremendous difference in our local communities. These programs provide great new challenges and exciting learning opportunities for many Washingtonians."


Locke also met with Washington Service Corps and AmeriCorps members at the Artz-Fox Elementary School in Mabton, where program participants are working on a special summer reading program for elementary school children. The project was made possible though a grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and members of the Washington Service Corps and AmeriCorps.


As a member of the state Legislature in 1992, Locke sponsored legislation to expand the existing Washington Service Corps, a community service program that began in 1983. Members who completed the program earned financial support for education, a concept that helped shape the creation of the national AmeriCorps program.


The $7.1 million grant from the Corporation for National Service will help fund 200 new positions for a total of 700 Washington Service Corps and AmeriCorps members in Washington state, which is second only to California as the largest group of members in the western United States.


Members receive living allowances and health insurance. They also receive education benefits of $4,725 after a full year of service, which is about the cost of tuition at a two year community college. Participants also can use the education award to pay back their student loans.

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