At Plymouth State University this morning, U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (NY-D) touted her leadership on creating the U.S. Public Service Academy, announced her plans to double the Eli Segal Education Award, and became the latest to sign the ServeNext Presidential Pledge to expand National Service.
In a speech focusing on college affordability, Senator Clinton highlighted Plymouth State University’s efforts to live their institution’s motto of “Ut Prosim,” or “That I May Serve.”
“I was very pleased to learn that Plymouth State matches AmeriCorps Education Awards because the school believes so strongly in this program. I would like to see more colleges and universities follow Plymouth State’s lead.”
Since AmeriCorps’ inception in 1993, the $4,725 Eli Segal Education Award - that graduates receive at the completion of their 1700-hour service year - has not increased in value.
“I will make college more affordable for those who serve in AmeriCorps. Back when my husband created AmeriCorps in 1993, the program covered 47% of the total cost of attending a four-year public college. Today, 13 years later, tuition costs have skyrocketed but the amount of tuition assistance is exactly the same. I will address this by doubling the Education Award that AmeriCorps volunteers receive for the service they render. These young men and women are building homes, mentoring children, providing disaster relief, and so much more. They’re serving our country every day and I want our country to serve them in return.”
Following the public speech, first-year Plymouth State University student Jennifer Andrikidis of Derry, the recipient of one of Plymouth State University’s AmeriCorps Alumni scholarships and a Student Senator, thanked Senator Clinton for support and pressed her on expanding opportunities for her peers to serve. Impressed by Andrikidis’ commitment, Senator Clinton signed the Pledge to Expand National Service - which includes growing AmeriCorps to 170,000 members by 2012.
More to come…
6 responses so far ↓
Service in the air on Presidential campaigns; NH Food Bank faces critical shortage… « granite idealism // November 8, 2007 at 5:14 pm
[...] Edwards will stump at Plymouth State University on Monday afternoon, where frontrunners Clinton and Obama both addressed National Service within just days of each other last [...]
BlogNext » Service in the air on Presidential campaigns; NH Food Bank faces critical shortage // November 8, 2007 at 5:23 pm
[...] Edwards will stump at Plymouth State University on Monday afternoon, where frontrunners Clinton and Obama both addressed National Service within just days of each other last [...]
Clinton and McCain serve those serve America… « granite idealism // November 12, 2007 at 7:01 pm
[...] month, Senator Clinton announced her plans to expand AmeriCorps by 100,000 members by the end of her first term as President and increase the Segal Education Award from $4,725 to [...]
BlogNext » Clinton and McCain serve those who serve America // November 12, 2007 at 7:04 pm
[...] month, Senator Clinton announced her plans to expand AmeriCorps by 100,000 members by the end of her first term as President and increase the Segal Education Award from $4,725 to [...]
4 National Service supporters in 4 early nominating contest winners… « granite idealism // January 9, 2008 at 6:25 pm
[...] Clinton announced at Plymouth State University her support for increasing Eli Segal Education Award from $4,725 to $10,000 for each year of National Service, expanding AmeriC…, and making it easier for military veterans to serve upon their return from active duty [...]
BlogNext » 4 National Service supporters in 4 early nominating contest winners // January 11, 2008 at 5:15 pm
[...] Clinton announced at Plymouth State University her support for increasing Eli Segal Education Award from $4,725 to $10,000 for each year of National Service, expanding AmeriC…, and making it easier for military veterans to serve upon their return from active duty [...]
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