S. 2783: Learn and Serve America Reinvestment Act

This bill, known as the Learn and Serve America Reinvestment Act, aims to enhance the Learn and Serve America program, which is overseen by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Here’s a breakdown of its main components:

Direct Funding

The bill allocates

• $40 million annually to support the Learn and Serve America program starting from the fiscal year 2026. This funding is intended to be divided, with
• 20% designated for part I of the program, which focuses on promoting service-learning, and
• 80% for part II, which involves service opportunities for students.
• Additionally, it provides funding to hire at least 10 full-time staff members at CNCS to assist in program planning and technology improvements.

Expansion of Eligibility

The bill also expands the eligibility criteria for entities that can participate in the Learn and Serve America program:

• Local educational agencies, including a consortium of two or more local educational agencies within a state, are included as eligible participants.
• A statewide entity can be designated to receive funding if it has experience in supporting service-learning programs and is a community-based or non-profit organization that provides training or support to teachers, youth workers, and students.

Grant Awards and Reporting

The bill modifies provisions regarding the awarding of grants:

• It changes the terminology from “Allotments” to “Awards” in relevant sections of the National and Community Service Act.
• States and territories will be able to receive competitive grants to carry out the objectives of the program, with a requirement that
• 2% to 3% of the funds be reserved for payments to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
• The CNCS must submit an annual report to Congress detailing how funds were allocated and utilized by grantees.

Overall Purpose

Ultimately, the bill aims to bolster service-learning initiatives across the country, encouraging more educational institutions to engage in community service while providing them with the necessary resources and support to implement such programs effectively.

Relevant Companies

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