Feds Slash AmeriCorps Funds; California Steps Up to Save Youth-of-Color Programs

August 4, 2025

California has lost over 5,600 AmeriCorps public service workers and $60 million in funding following orders from President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in April. This cut affects programs like Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT), which helps young men of color access college education by providing mentors in schools. Though AmeriCorps received a temporary court reprieve in June to continue operating for another year, the $557 million in undistributed grants leaves the program's future uncertain.

Who is affected

AmeriCorps public service workers (over 5,600 workers in California)
Young men of color served by Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT)
Students who receive tutoring and mentoring
Communities that benefit from disaster recovery assistance
Schools partnering with AmeriCorps programs
People who rely on hunger-fighting initiatives and essential services
Organizations that partner with AmeriCorps for community programs

What action is being taken

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit to have the Trump administration release already-allocated funds for AmeriCorps
California is maintaining state-funded programs like College Corps, Climate Corps, and Youth Service Corps to fill some of the gaps
Improve Your Tomorrow is shifting focus to fundraising efforts to continue their work in schools
AmeriCorps is operating under a temporary court reprieve for another year

Why it matters

The cuts directly impact educational support for young men of color, making it harder to place mentors in schools
Community services in education, disaster preparedness, and environmental initiatives are being reduced or eliminated
Organizations like IYT must scale back the number of mentors placed in schools, limiting growth opportunities for students
The funding cuts create uncertainty for programs that improve community life through tutoring, environmental protection, disaster recovery, and fighting hunger
The situation disrupts services to communities most in need of these support systems

What's next

The undistributed $557 million in grants for AmeriCorps State and National program remains in limbo while legal challenges continue
California will continue supporting service programs through state funding while waiting to see what happens with federal funding
Improve Your Tomorrow plans to focus more on fundraising and community partnerships to sustain their mentoring work

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint