Story: Americorps Faces Funding Crisis, 7/23/03
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec03/americorps2_7-23.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1). What is Americorps? What kind of work do Americorps volunteers do?


2). What do full time volunteers receive for their service?


3). Who established Americorps?


4). Why is Americorps having financial problems?


5). How are financial shortfalls impacting the programs that rely on Americorps funding?



Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1). Do you think taxpayer money should go to volunteer organizations? Why or why not?

2). Research the proponents and opponents of the supplemental funding for Americorps. What is each side's argument? Which side do you agree with? Explain your reasoning.

3). Research an Americorps program that is working in your community? What impact have the federal funding cuts had on this program? (Perhaps by contacting the local program headquarters.)

Write a 300-500 word essay on either of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.