Governor announces $1.6 million in AmeriCorps grants

CARSON CITY — Nevada has received $1.6 million in AmeriCorps grants, money that will be used to aid and promote volunteer efforts targeting a host of causes, from education and rural healthcare access to environmental restoration and veteran services, the governor's office said Thursday.

In all, the funding will support nearly 300 AmeriCorps members serving in more than 60 nonprofits throughout the state.

"National service is an essential part of the solution to many of the challenges facing our state," Sandoval said in a statement. "These AmeriCorps members will meet pressing local needs and strengthen our communities as they develop civic and leadership skills to last a lifetime."

The AmeriCorps program is coordinated through Nevada Volunteers, set up under the Governor's Commission on Service.

Programs funded with the grants will start enrolling members Sept. 1.

With the funding, 175 AmeriCorps members serving with the Great Basin Institute's Nevada Conservation Corps will help with environmental and restoration projects on public lands.

Another 32 involved in Nevada Outdoor School will offer environmental education, after-school programs, support to seniors and other volunteer services in rural Nevada.

United Way of Southern Nevada will have funding for 50 AmeriCorps members to provide a range of health, education, after-school, public safety and human services programs, while 23 involved with Urban Roots will support garden and nutrition education for youth.

Ten AmeriCorps members serving through the Governor's Office of Energy will assist in energy audits and efficiency upgrades for low-income residents.

Besides those programs, four planning grants also were awarded to the Nevada Department of Veterans Service, the Nevada Coalition Partnership, Outside Las Vegas Foundation and Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation.

Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb