The Promoting Service through AmeriCorps Act reauthorizes and modernizes the national service laws that govern AmeriCorps and related volunteer programs. The bill expands service opportunities by allowing shorter service terms of 1,500 hours instead of requiring longer commitments, and increases the age limit for the National Civilian Community Corps from 24 to 26 years old. It also improves benefits for service members by extending the time period to use educational awards from 7 to 10 years, allowing awards to be used for career training programs, permitting members to receive stipends instead of educational awards, and enabling AmeriCorps alumni to be hired by federal agencies without competitive hiring processes. The legislation establishes an Office of Alumni Engagement to support former service members and modifies administrative rules to increase flexibility in how programs operate and spend federal funds. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 but does not specify a dollar amount, instead allowing "such sums as may be necessary" for each year. The changes apply to individuals selected for service after the bill is enacted.
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