This op-ed was originally published on IdEdNews.org on June 4, 2025.
By Anna Almerico
In communities across Idaho, after-school programs are more than just a safe place for kids—they are lifelines. They provide mentorship, academic support, and a sense of belonging. At the heart of many of these programs is AmeriCorps, the program that places dedicated individuals in roles that strengthen communities. But recent, abrupt cuts to AmeriCorps funding in Idaho have left organizations scrambling—and the consequences could be devastating.
One powerful example of AmeriCorps’ impact is Community Youth in Action (CYA) in Idaho Falls. With a staff of over 30 AmeriCorps members, CYA runs daily programming that supports youth through mentorship, academic help, and leadership development. These AmeriCorps members are not auxiliary—they are essential. Without them, CYA’s ability to serve youth would be drastically reduced. Their presence ensures that young people in Idaho Falls have consistent, caring adults in their lives—people who help them stay on track in school, avoid risky behaviors, and build a future.
Unfortunately, not all programs have been able to maintain their AmeriCorps support. The Girl Scouts of Silver Sage were blindsided when their entire AmeriCorps team was cut. The impact was immediate and severe. “We lost our entire AmeriCorps team a week before they were scheduled to arrive in Boise,” a staff member shared. “We are scrambling now to try to find volunteers to complete the projects we had slated to get the camp property ready for campers arriving next month.” These teams have historically played a vital role in preparing campgrounds for the summer season, completing environmental and infrastructure projects that improve sustainability and camper safety.
The University of Idaho 4-H Extension faced a similar blow. Their entire AmeriCorps cohort was canceled with little notice. While some members were able to be hired as staff, the loss of structured support has left a major gap in programming. The 4-H STEM AmeriCorps program brought hands-on science and leadership education to youth across the state—especially in rural areas where such opportunities are scarce. Luckily, those AmeriCorps members being brought in to work with the program were offered temporary employment. While 4-H was able to pivot to bring in their cohort, other programs will not be so lucky.
These are not isolated incidents. According to internal communications from affected organizations, over $1.3 million in AmeriCorps grants were canceled in Idaho in April 2025, impacting approximately 133 members statewide. Staff—already stretched thin—were left scrambling to fill gaps in operations, often relying on volunteers or cutting services altogether.
AmeriCorps is embedded in the fabric of youth programming. Many of Idaho Out-of-School Network’s partner organizations rely on AmeriCorps to provide consistent, trained, and passionate staff—something that’s increasingly hard to afford in today’s labor market. These members are not just helping hands; they are the backbone of many after-school programs.
AmeriCorps is a service communities rely on. These cuts affect real kids, real families, and real futures. AmeriCorps members enlist to serve their country and improve communities. The spirit of volunteerism is at the core of values we teach and share in afterschool and the AmeriCorps program models to our youth the service Americans choose. We need to stand behind, and support them, just as they have for us all this time.