Established in 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service engages more than 1.5 million Americans of all ages in programs designed to improve their communities through its three national service initiatives. AmeriCorps offers Americans age 17 and older the opportunity to serve their communities by tutoring students; running after-school and mentoring programs for at-risk youth; offering job counseling, shelter, and other services to people who are homeless; and building houses and rehabilitating substandard housing in rural and urban areas. Upon completing service, AmeriCorps members receive an education award that can be used to cover tuition or repay education loans. Learn and Serve America provides opportunities for students in kindergarten through college to serve as part of their curriculum, and the National Senior Service Corps gives older Americans the opportunity to volunteer their time and talents to make their communities better. The Corporation also serves as a clearinghouse of information and technical expertise for service initiatives nationwide and provides funding on a competitive basis for state and national service programs. (Corporation for National and Community Service)