Coalition for Service-Learning Statement on the Nomination of Michael D. Smith as AmeriCorps CEO
Washington, DC (June 16, 2021) — The Coalition for Service-Learning is pleased to learn of President Biden's intention to nominate Michael D. Smith for the role of Chief Executive Officer of the federal AmeriCorps agency.
As a former leader at AmeriCorps during the Obama Administration and the longtime director of the My Brother's Keeper initiative, Mr. Smith has demonstrated a strong commitment to our Nation’s youngest citizens, especially those in underserved communities.
We believe that Michael D. Smith shares our belief that engaging youth as assets and leaders in our nation’s civic life and helping them develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in school, in the workforce, and in life is fundamental to our nation’s future.
As the national coalition of more than 160 youth serving organizations, the Coalition for Service-Learning looks forward to working with Mr. Smith to secure new funding for Learn and Serve America programs and ensure our youngest citizens are part of the future of AmeriCorps’ work to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
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The Coalition for Service-Learning is a diverse coalition of more than 160 education and youth development advocates that is organizing an effort to advocate for funding and support the implementation of service-learning initiatives, including refunding Learn and Serve America programs at AmeriCorps. Led by a Steering Committee representing Peace Jam based in Denver, National Summer Learning Association based in Baltimore, National Youth Leadership Council based in Saint Paul, along with Youth Service America and the Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service at George Washington University in Washington, DC, this Coalition believes that young people will be ready to lead both the democracy and the workforce of the future when they have the opportunity to connect their education to service in their communities and address the most pressing real-world problems.
