Dear Colleagues:

The Serve America page on our website has been updated and now includes FAQs and the PowerPoint presentation we are using to frame the listening sessions. These materials include important information for you to use in your materials and communications with your stakeholders. In particular, the FAQs include the following:

1. When is the effective date for the Act and what will happen on that day?

The Serve America Act has an effective date of October 1, 2009, the beginning of fiscal year 2010. Amendments that are not funding-dependent take effect on that date. For example, the CEO's authority to conduct outreach or the Board of Directors' increased oversight role.

However, provisions that are funding-dependent -- affecting the terms and conditions of grants or approved national service positions -- will apply to grants made or positions approved with fiscal year 2010 funds. For example, funding allocations, grant selection criteria, grantee requirements, education award amounts and permitted uses, will apply to fiscal year 2010-funded grants and positions.

We will be issuing more detailed guidance on the timing of implementation in the coming months.

2. I’m currently serving as a full-time AmeriCorps member. Will my education award amount be increased?

No. The Act increases the amount of the education award to the maximum Pell grant level beginning with AmeriCorps positions funded with fiscal year 2010 appropriations, so there is no change for AmeriCorps members currently serving.

3. So delaying our program’s start date is not a good strategy in order to increase the education award for our members?

Correct. If the position if funded with fiscal year 2009 (or prior year) funds, regardless of program start date, the education award amount is $4,725.

If you have questions, please contact your program officer.