Christopher Shays: “National service is one of the most productive, cost efficient investments the Federal Government can make. My wife…”

“National service is one of the most productive, cost efficient investments the Federal Government can make. My wife Betsi and I were Peace Corps volunteers and we call ourselves volunteers because we gave 2 years of our lives in service to others. Americorps is a similar program to Peace Corps. It takes 18, 19, 20- year-old kids and gives them an opportunity to work in a program mentored by various nonprofit organizations. The passion of participants in Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and other national service programs is undeniable. As they give back to their country they also learn something about themselves, each other, and the world around them. I am pleased H.R. 2857 expands the AmeriCorps program and increases the education award, which participants in the program receive upon completion of service. As the cost of a college education increases, students often have to choose between public service careers and other jobs to pay back student loans.”