Serve America Act to Help Local Organizations

President Barack Obama signed the Edward Kennedy Service Act into Law, authorizing an increase in funding and opportunities for service programs. Local non-profits are hoping to be able to expand services to help others.

Anna McMahon is an AmeriCorps volunteer, helping other students get into college and stay there.

“AmeriCorps is maybe an option that not many people had known about in the past,” said McMahon. “I know I hadn't heard much about it growing up."

Through AmeriCorps, McMahon serves a Twin Cities non-profit called "Admission Possible."

“The AmeriCorps members in this organization are the ones who actually do all the work with the low income kids guiding them through the admission process, so they're absolutely vital to this organization."

Now, many others may be joining the ranks after a new national push for volunteerism. President Obama signed the $5.7 billion Serve America Act, named for Senator Edward Kennedy. It also triples the number of AmeriCorps positions across the nation from 75,000 to 250,000 by 2017.

The act also provides funding for non-profits to find and train volunteers, for national programs.

It's not yet clear which Minnesota non-profits stand to gain the most, but programs for youth, homeless, and disaster relief are expected to be high on the agenda.

McMahon believes the national spotlight will encourage others to follow in her footsteps.