This year marks the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps is a U.S. federal government program that encourages people of all ages, and especially young people, to engage in public service at local nonprofit organizations, schools, and other community groups. It is built with strong bipartisan support to promote an ethic of service to others. Considered the domestic counterpart of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps was created by the Corporation for National and Community Service.* Since the program began, it has included over 800,000 volunteers who have contributed more than one billion hours of service.