Judge Reinstates AmeriCorps in 24 States

Federal District Court Judge Deborah Boardman temporary blocked the cancellation of AmeriCorps grants and early discharge of members in 24 mostly Democratically led states that sued against dismantling of the agency.

AmeriCorps was created 30 years ago. It runs several programs that disburse hundreds of millions of dollars in grants and sends out about 200,000 volunteers each year to do service projects in communities. Its Congressional appropriations for this fiscal year total $557 million. Volunteers for AmeriCorps get a living stipend while in service. Upon completing their service, they are eligible for funding for future education costs or can apply for particular student loans.

The lawsuit Boardman is hearing asserts Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” reneges on AmeriCorps’ grant obligations. DOGE is a subset of a White House IT team, not a government department.

Boardman’s ruling is limited. It reinstates, if they are willing and able to resume their duties, members of the National Civilian Community Corps who were discharged from service early. But it applies only in the states that filed the lawsuit Boardman is hearing. It also does not reinstate any members of the full time staff, most of whom were put on administrative leave in April which is usually a prelude to firing. AmeriCorps had 500 full time federal workers.