SU's ShoreCorps Receives Record $1.29 Million Federal Funding Award

By SU Public Relations

SALISBURY, MD---Maryland’s largest AmeriCorps program kicks off its 31st year this fall with record funding that will benefit not only local students, but the Eastern Shore community at large.

The Corporation for National and Community Service recently announced more than $1.29 million for ShoreCorps, the AmeriCorps program at Salisbury University, representing the largest annual federal funding award in the program’s history, dating to 1995.

“At more than double last year’s award, this will allow us to expand and improve what is already the largest program in the state,” said Dr. Alexander Pope, director of SU’s Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE), which oversees the initiative. “ShoreCorps is the backbone of PACE’s community work and has led directly to a wide range of benefits for our students, connections for our faculty, and direct supportive collaborations between SU and people across the Shore.”

In the next service year, Pope expects ShoreCorps to enroll and retain more than 180 members, including approximately 150 SU students who will receive over $190,000 in tuition assistance through the program, as well as 30 community members who will also enroll in the University’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program.

Together, they are anticipated to provide over 81,000 service hours for more than 40 nonprofit and government partner agencies, with an economic impact of nearly $3 million over the next year. They will work to strengthen the capacity of local community organizations while improving the lives of vulnerable populations, including children and senior citizens.

Partner organizations include the City of Salisbury, the Wicomico County Health Department, Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County, Salisbury Urban Ministries, the Christian Shelter, the Lower Shore Land Trust, the Chesapeake Conservancy, and dozens more.

In addition to earning tuition assistance in the form of an education award (and course credit for SU-enrolled students), ShoreCorps members can receive benefits including financial stipends, federal student loan forbearance and interest exemptions, and health insurance and child care reimbursement if eligible. For more information, or to enroll for the 2026-27 service year, visit the ShoreCorps webpage.

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.