Our History

The first AmeriCorps members began their service in September 1994. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) conducted a study and lead the development of an alumni association that was spun off to the "Partnership for National Service” which at that time worked under the Points of Light Foundation (POLF).

AmeriCorps Alums was branded and eventually became an independent 501c3 nonprofit agency. From 1999 through 2004, AmeriCorps Alums worked hard to secure benefits to members such as healthcare, an extensive job bank and schools that match the Education Award. They also advocated to not tax the Education Award. To build a broader network, the Board voted to rename the organization the National AmeriCorps Association. 

In 2004, the Board decided to pursue a merger to strengthen the organization's capacity. After much research, deliberation, and consultation with alumni and stakeholders, the Board determined to merge the organization into Points of Light Institute (Hands on Network) and restore the name AmeriCorps Alums. AmeriCorps Alums, its network and brand has thrived under Points of Light and Hands on Network since January 2005.

Points of Light Institute 

AmeriCorps Alums is a stand-alone operating unit within Points of Light Institute — an organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world.

Points of Light Institute also manages the HandsOn Network. To learn more about either of these organizations, please visit: http://www.pointsoflight.org/ or http://www.handsonnetwork.org/