Salisbury, MD – Each year, up to 200 members of the ShoreCorps AmeriCorps program at Salisbury University provide up to 35,000 hours of service to the Eastern Shore community.
The Wicomico County Council recently recognized that commitment, proclaiming March 10-16 as AmeriCorps Week in the county. The national commemoration helps promote and engage AmeriCorps projects and members throughout the U.S.
“Since 1995, ShoreCorps has helped strengthen the capacity of community organizations, improve the lives of vulnerable populations and fostered civic engagement through service and volunteerism,” said Sara Heim, ShoreCorps assistant director, who accepted the proclamation from Wicomico County Council member Josh Hastings. “We are proud of our members and all they do for our communities.”
Part of SU’s Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, the federally funded ShoreCorps program impacts an estimated 4,000 area youth and 1,000 adults each year. It currently includes 21 full- and half-time members serving at sites including the Salisbury Zoo, Epoch Dream Center, Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County, the Wicomico Environmental Trust, One Year to Empowerment and the Beach to Bay Heritage Center.
Program participants serve at more than 90 locations, and organizers continue to seek connections with non-profit and government agencies on the Eastern Shore.
In addition, the ShoreCorps program includes 160 SU students, serving the campus and community through initiatives including the University’s Presidential Citizen Scholars program, Food for the Flock campus food bank and TRIO Student Support Services, as well as the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education, and School of Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services.
Full-time ShoreCorps members, who provide 1,700 hours during their year in the program, receive a biweekly, pre-tax stipend of $949 and a $7,395 award to help pay for federal student loans or future education expenses. Half-time members, providing 900 hours of service annually, receive a biweekly, pre-tax stipend of $502 and a $3,697 education award.
Additional benefits for full- and half-time members include a free eight-credit training course at SU during the fall and spring semesters, as well as federal student loan forbearance during their time in the program and an exemption from paying federal student loan accrued interest. Eligible full-time members also receive health insurance and child care reimbursement.
Minimum-time members, including SU students, receive an annual $1,565 education award and federal student loan forbearance and interest exemption benefits.
“ShoreCorps is an ideal program for recent graduates, graduate students and students interested in a gap year,” said Heim. “It also works well for undergraduate students seeking experience and internship credits, or anyone interested in giving back to their community.”
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-25 service year. For more information visit www.salisbury.edu/AmeriCorps.
Learn more at SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.
