Congressman Ami Bera and AmeriCorps Regional Director Tanya Gipson-Nahman celebrate the induction at AmeriCorps NCCC members at the organization’s Pacific Region campus, McClellan Park. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - One hundred young people last month completed AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps training and were inducted into service. They now have begun 10 months of work on far-flung community projects.

“Your journey will be full of challenges.” Predicted AmeriCorps team leader Jeremy Cooper at the induction ceremony in McClellan Park. “You’ll be stepping out of your comfort zones. You can rely on each other. Your team will be your family.”

Recruited from all 50 states, Pacific region members formed 16 teams during a three-week training stint. Each team will work in communities throughout Western United States. Missions will support such efforts as home building, school mentoring, food closets and disaster recovery.

In Sacramento, a team will work for more than a month on invasive weed management on the American River, in co-operation with children from John Still School, Meadowview.

In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps members receive assistance for educational costs, a living allowance and room and board.

Congressman Ami Bera commended the inductees. “AmeriCorps is an investment in our nation’s young people,” he said of the federally funded program. “The most important classroom is out there. You’ll overcome challenges as teams and come to understand this country’s communities and their diversity. 

“If you can take knowledge you gain from this year into the rest of your life, our world will be a better place.”

Learn about AmeriCorps opportunities at www.AmeriCorps.gov