SUNY Cortland named AmeriCorps School of Service

10/26/2023 

SUNY Cortland is now an AmeriCorps School of National Service, making it easier for volunteers with the 30-year-old national service program to earn a college degree.

Prospective students who have served in AmeriCorps may be eligible for priority admission at SUNY Cortland, a one-year enrollment deferral and one of two $1,000 scholarships. That’s in addition to the federally funded program’s AmeriCorps Educational Award.

“SUNY Cortland is honored to reward AmeriCorps alumni for their service and sacrifice,” SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum said. “As the proud parent of a former AmeriCorps member, I saw firsthand the importance of their work. These individuals dedicate themselves to solving some of our nation’s most pressing challenges in education, community health, environmental stewardship and many other areas.

“This motivation also aligns very well with the mission of our university’s Institute for Civic Engagement. SUNY Cortland is proud to join SUNY’s commitment to the AmeriCorps Schools of National Service initiative and to educate engaged citizens with a strong social conscience.”

SUNY Cortland was one of 15 SUNY campuses identified as a School of National Service by SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. Thursday as he announced a system-wide application fee waiver for AmeriCorps alumni. Under the waiver, they may apply to up to seven of SUNY’s 64 campuses for a savings of as much as $350.

“AmeriCorps provides a clear pathway to higher education for a diverse group of alumni who have dedicated their time to communities across the country — helping with natural disaster recovery, assisting with K-12 education and mentoring, fighting poverty and substance abuse, and much more,” Chancellor King said. “Alumni come to SUNY with a deeper appreciation of other cultures and a broader perspective that benefits our campuses in fostering greater diversity of thought and inclusion.”

Nearly 1.2 million Americans have served in AmeriCorps since its creation in 1994, including 75,000 members last year. AmeriCorps members serve their country and community through anti-poverty, educational and community service programs such as City Year, Jump Start, AmeriCorps Vista, and the Conservation Corps.

The vision for AmeriCorps runs parallel with SUNY Cortland’s mission.

More than half of SUNY Cortland’s students are involved with community service, routinely donating more than 200,000 volunteer hours annually in initiatives ranging from neighborhood cleanups to mentoring and providing recreational activities for Cortland children.

Approximately 1,860 of those students take at least one applied learning course during their time at Cortland, requiring them to assist local businesses, governments and non-profit organizations. In addition, 207 students last year participated in local internships through Career Services at the university.  

Since 2015, SUNY Cortland students have organized “The Big Event,” a city-wide effort that annually sends more than 300 students to neglected properties for help with trash clean up, painting, yard work and minor repairs. Student groups including the Student Government Association, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and various student Greek organizations and student clubs also perform a wide variety of community service activities and charity fundraisers.