We were delighted to learn yesterday that our remarkable 35-member AmeriCorps program has been fully refunded for another three years.

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Gov. Lincoln Chafee, AmeriCorps Director John Gomperts, and Bernie Beaudreau, executive director of Serve Rhode Island, announced on Thursday afternoon the five recipients of the $1.2 million in new federal AmeriCorps funds coming to the state this year. This money will support 105 AmeriCorps members in R.I.

R2LP has had a large and vibrant AmeriCorps team since 2005. Members work in early-care settings, libraries, pediatric clinics, WIC and the R2LP offices. They also receive extensive training in early care and education, including several courses offered for college credit.

Facing very stiff competition and reduced funding, Rhode Island was one of only six states nationwide to see an increase in funding.

R2LP will receive $1.4 million over a three-year period that begins in August with the arrival of our seventh AmeriCorps team. Winning this grant is a tribute to all of our past and current AmeriCorps members, and to the fine work of our AmeriCorps staff -- Nazly Guzman and Magda Ortiz.