On April 21, 2009 the United States officially entered altruistic territory as President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law. As the president promised on the campaign trail, this would be a year dedicated to serving those in need and the signing of this law put his words into action. For recent graduates, this act is particularly of interest, since it is partially focused on those who graduate with large amounts of debt.

Many students can relate to this; therefore, just as the Peace Corps has done with Perkins loans, the AmeriCorps will provide an educational stipend for those who serve after they graduate. With the signing of this law into effect, the president increased the stipend to $5,350, the exact same number as an Obama Pell Grant. Volunteer positions will increase from 75,000 to 250,000 by the year 2017, thus helping the needs of low income areas across the US.

Additionally, attached to this act is the Silver Scholars program. Volunteers 55 years or older who perform over 350 hours of service will receive $1000 educational award.

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