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S2782119th CongressWALLET

Service Starts At Home Act

Sponsored By: Senator Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

Introduced

Summary

Expand paid local-government internships and volunteer-based college aid. This bill would create competitive grants to fund paid internships for secondary and college students and a scholarship program that rewards documented volunteer service, plus a national recognition program for schools and colleges.

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  • Students: Would get paid local-government internships and scholarships tied to volunteer hours. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000 per year and can be renewed for up to four academic years when students meet hour and enrollment rules.
  • States and local governments: Would be eligible for competitive grants to recruit, pay, and manage internships and to coordinate selection and educational oversight with colleges.
  • Colleges, schools, and families: Institutions would certify educational value and may help provide accommodations like childcare, transportation, flexible schedules, or telework for interns.
  • Federal funding: Authorizes $50 million per year for internship grants and a separate $100 million per year for the scholarship program for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Scholarships for student volunteers

If enacted, the bill would create a Scholarship for Volunteer Service program funded at $100 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The Department would allocate funds to States with approved applications, after reserving up to 20% each year for a federal supplemental pool. States would award competitive scholarships for one academic year, payable toward cost of attendance, and a student could receive awards for up to four academic years. Award amounts depend on prior-year volunteer hours: $1,000 for 100-137 hours; $1,500 for 138-174; $2,000 for 175-212; $2,500 for 213-249; and $3,000 for 250+ hours. First-time and renewal applicants must meet enrollment and at least 100 hours of service rules, and States must prioritize renewals and streamline renewal applications.

Grants for paid local internships

If enacted, the bill would create a competitive grant program that funds paid internships in units of local government. The Department would award grants to States or local governments to identify paid internships for high school students and eligible in-state undergraduates, set pay and terms, and cover internship costs. The program would be authorized at $50 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Grant recipients must ensure internships have educational value and try to provide accommodations for childcare, transportation, or similar challenges.

Recognition for schools' volunteer work

If enacted, the Department would run a Recognition of Achievement in Community Service program. The program would honor elementary and secondary schools, local educational agencies, and colleges for volunteer achievements and community service contributions. The bill does not specify cash awards or a funding level for these recognitions.

Definitions for eligibility and service

If enacted, the bill would define key terms that decide who and what counts for the programs. "Volunteer service work" would mean unpaid acts for government or nonprofit groups and would exclude proselytizing, worship services, religious instruction, political lobbying, court-ordered service, and service done mainly to help a student’s family. The bill also adopts common ESEA and Higher Education Act terms, defines eligible entities as States or units of local government, and uses the HEA meaning of "cost of attendance."

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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