Putting Tens of Thousands of Americans Into Service

The Serve America Act is putting tens of thousands of Americans into service, gaining skills that will help those who are unemployed re-enter the workplace.
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April 21st marks the first anniversary of one of the greatest bipartisan efforts of the Obama Administration -- an effort to alleviate our most pressing national problem: the Great Recession.

Nearly one year ago, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act became law. Named for the great Senator who championed the bill, the Act is, without fanfare, providing an injection of more than $1 billion into our national service programs. This includes an expansion of national service positions from the current 75,000 to 250,000 to tackle tough problems. The Act also establishes a Social Innovation Fund to identify the most promising, results-oriented non-profit programs and expand their reach throughout the country.

The Serve America Act is putting tens of thousands of Americans into service, gaining skills that will help those who are unemployed re-enter the workplace. It's also an innovative public-private partnership to meet local needs that are only growing as government budgets are cut.

At a time when nearly 15 million Americans are out of work and young people have the highest rate of unemployment, this instant expansion of opportunities to serve, get critical training, and strengthen our communities and our country at the same time is something to recognize and celebrate.

Please help us mark the passage of this remarkable Act and honor Senator Ted Kennedy, who dedicated so much of his career to making it easier for Americans to serve, by submitting a short video thanking him and/or telling us how your life has been touched by service.

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