AmeriCorps programs across Iowa will receive more than $1.4 million in funding, Sen. Tom Harkin announced on May 25. The competitive grants are funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that manages the AmeriCorps program. This year, the program will provide more than 930 youths in Iowa with community service experience and the opportunity to qualify for education grants to pay for college. The six organizations that received direct funding grants are:

• Iowa Department of Natural Resources
$506,727 – to provide wildlife habitat restoration and trail improvements to reduce water quality decline.

• Habitat for Humanity of Iowa Inc.
$274,576 – to recruit and support volunteers to build low-income housing units to eliminate substandard, unaffordable housing.

• Graceland University
$145,612 – to provide positive youth development services such as mentoring, recreational activities and after-school assistance.

• Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa Inc.
$216,468 – to provide after-school homework help, healthy choices programming and case management support to increase positive attendance patterns in schools.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley
$130,000 – to recruit and support volunteers to mentor disadvantaged youths at risk of dropping out.

• United Way of East Central Iowa
$133,345 – to provide early literacy activities and tutoring during out-of-school time to children, and provide outreach services for families of children with disabilities.