This year AmeriCorps will provide more than 730 individuals the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service to meet education, environmental, public safety and other pressing needs in communities across Missouri. Roughly three-quarters of all AmeriCorps grant funding goes to the Governor-appointed Missouri Community Service Commission, which in turn awards grants to nonprofit groups to respond to local needs. Most of the remainder of the grant funding is distributed by the Corporation directly to multi-state and national organizations through a competitive grants process. Other individuals will serve through AmeriCorps VISTA, whose members help bring individuals and communities out of poverty by serving full-time to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses and increase housing opportunities, and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), a 10-month, full time residential program for men and women between the ages of 18 and 24. In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps members earn an education award of up to $4,725 that can be used to pay for college or to pay back qualified student loans. Since 1994, more than 6,700 Missouri residents have qualified for AmeriCorps Education Awards totaling more than $21,800,000.