Twenty years ago, state lawmakers created the Washington Service Corps (WSC) to provide young people with opportunities to serve their communities. Today, that vision has grown to become the nation’s oldest publicly funded statewide service program.

Nearly 11,000 program participants have contributed more than 14 million hours of service to nonprofit organizations, schools, and local government programs.

Administered by the state Employment Security Department, the corps assists private nonprofit organizations, schools and local government in addressing unmet community needs. At the same time, it provides young adults with meaningful service experiences.

Washington Service Corps is affiliated with AmeriCorps, a national service program that engages more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, homeland security, and the environment.

Participants ages 17 and up receive a minimum stipend while serving full time for 11 months. At the end of their projects, they receive a $4,725 education award that can be used for college tuition or to pay back student loans.

For more information about the Washington Service Corps and local programs, call 888-713-6080 or visit www.wa.gov/esd/wsc.