Dear Alums,

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend Peace Corps Connect, the National Peace Corps Association’s conference and celebration of 65 years of Peace Corps. Alongside hundreds of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, we explored the themes of peacebuilding, service, and pathways. 

It’s the shared experience of learning and growing through service, and the first-hand knowledge that service years are transformational.

In this issue of Alums Corner: The Scoop After Service, we have ways to keep those connections going - virtual networking and in-person events in Community Corner, stories from those who served, and opportunities to continue serving.

Speaking of continued service, Service Year Alliance is excited to announce our partnership with New Politics Academy. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring more service year alums into public office. Learn more below, and explore ways to continue your service, this time in politics, through New Politics Academy.

The State of Service

Great news! After more than 10,000 emails and phone calls were sent to members of the House of Representatives, Rep, Scott Perry (PA) withdrew his amendment to eliminate funding for the Peace Corps. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to contact your member of Congress - you made a real difference.

The AmeriCorps agency announced grants to support more than 35,000 AmeriCorps State & National members in the 2026-2027 program year. With nearly $400 million in grants going to state service commissions and local organizations, communities across the country will benefit from new and continued service years.

A Partnership Forged in Service

New Politics Academy and Service Year Alliance are working together to bring more service year alums into public office. The new partnership will see the two service-focused organizations working collaboratively to share resources and opportunities available through each organization to service year alums in their networks. The partnership is rooted in a shared belief that an expanded pathway from national service to public service will better enable service year alums to represent and lead their communities.

Service year alums are ready to lead:

• Nearly 2 million Americans have completed a service year through AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, YouthBuild, and other service programs. 

• Research from 2025 shows service year alums are twice as likely to run for public office as non-service alums. 

• 77% of alums say they are likely to engage in conversations with people they disagree with, compared to 52% before their service experience.

Get Involved

If you’re a service alum interested in exploring political leadership, visit New Politics Academy, and join the service year alums network through Service Year Alliance.

Alums: In Their Own Words

Members of Alums Amplified have been sharing their service year experience all over the place! Take a moment to read, listen, and share.

In this episode of The Nonprofit Insider podcast, AmeriCorps alum Swim Karim engages AmeriCorps alum Nicki Fiocco and volunteer engagement professional Jerome Tennille in a wide-ranging conversation about service, volunteerism, and civic engagement. 

Community Corner

AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps: Strengthen Communities Through Disaster Management

August 4, 2026 at 1:00pm ET | Online

Spread the word! Young people interested in learning more about AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps can join this informational webinar. In just 30 minutes, explore how serving with AmeriCorps NCCC builds leadership, adaptability, and valuable emergency management experience that translates directly to real‑world experience.

Connect 4 AmeriCorps Alums DC

August 9, 2026 at 2:00pm ET | Lost Generation Brewing Company - 327 S Street, NW, Washington, DC

Join AmeriCorps Alums DC for an afternoon of connection and Connect 4 competition at Lost Generation Brewing Company! The Connect 4 tournament will be one on one, bracket style, with a cash prize for the tournament winner! Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will support the AmeriCorps Alums DC Board future events and administrative costs.

America's Service Commissions: How to Serve on a Board or Commission
Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 4:00pm ET

Join America's Service Commissions and Service Year Alliance as we explore opportunities for service year alums on a variety of boards and commissions. From School Boards to State Service Commissions, alums are continuing to serve in local, statewide, and national efforts. Hear from AmeriCorps alums that are serving in their communities and discover ways you can continue to get things done. 

AmeriCorps Alums Virtual Networking Session

Monthly, Second Thursdays at 8:00pm ET

AmeriCorps alum and founder of EM Wellness, Jennifer Pearsall, is launching a virtual networking series for AmeriCorps alums. This monthly virtual networking session is intentionally (lightly) structured to make connecting easier.

Each session starts with a short insight or tip related to the month’s theme, followed by several small breakout rounds with prompts, so you always know what to talk about. The next session is on August 13.

AmeriCorps Alums Segal Leadership Award

Application deadline: August 17, 5:00pm ET

The 2026 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Leadership Award application is now open. AmeriCorps alums who have successfully completed an AmeriCorps program between August 2023 and August 15, 2026 are welcome to apply for the Award, which includes participation in professional and personal development through the Eli J. & Phyllis N. Segal Citizen Leadership Program, opportunities to engage with Service Year Alliance, and a $2,000 cash award.

Applications are due on Monday, August 17 by 5pm ET. Learn more and apply!

At Service Year Alliance, we’re committed to sharing stories, news, and opportunities that are interesting and useful to you. If you have something to share with the alums community, please contact alums@serviceyear.org.

Here’s to ongoing connections and a lifetime of service.

In service,
Maureen Eccleston
AmeriCorps Alum & Chief Impact Officer
Service Year Alliance