AmeriCorps Cuts Leave Nevada Literacy Programs in Crisis
Reno, NV—The abrupt termination of federal AmeriCorps grants has left nearly 200 service members in Nevada without positions, disrupting vital literacy and educational initiatives across the state. One affected mentor, Rajean Bossier, 67, had dedicated her time at Echo Loder Elementary as part of the United Readers program, helping students gain confidence in reading. Now, she faces the heartbreaking task of informing her students that her service has ended.
The cuts, mandated by the Trump administration as part of a budget reduction, affect eight organizations in Nevada, including United Way of Northern Nevada. The Department of Government Efficiency terminated approximately $400 million in AmeriCorps grants nationally, impacting close to 33,000 members. Local leaders express concern over the detrimental impact on educational programs, particularly in a state with poor graduation rates and high absenteeism.
As organizations scramble to secure alternative funding, projections for future literacy initiatives look grim. In the face of financial challenges, community advocates urge state leaders to restore funding, emphasizing the urgent need for educational support for Nevada’s most vulnerable students. The fallout from these cuts represents not just a loss of jobs, but a severe blow to educational progress in the region.
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