Members celebrate AmeriCorps Week 2026 with service across the Granite State, career pathways kick-off

CONCORD ― Volunteer NH and national service members marked AmeriCorps Week 2026 with days of connection and engagement at New Hampshire nonprofits and the launch of a new professional development opportunity.

During March 9 to 13, AmeriCorps members donated a total of 160 hours of volunteer time during these Days of Service at the following locations:

• Animal Rescue League of NH in Bedford
• Families in Transition in Manchester
• The Educational Joppa Hill Educational Farm in Bedford
• The Mayhew Program in Bristol
• McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord
• UpReach Equestrian Center in Goffstown

To celebrate the week and support members’ long-term growth, Volunteer NH also launched its six-month mentorship pilot for those currently serving in AmeriCorps. At the kick-off meeting, mentors shared their backgrounds and members communicated their career goals.

Soon the members will be paired with mentees in Volunteer NH’s network to:

• Explore a field or industry of interest to them and understand the skills and qualifications that are recommended for it, as well as where to seek open positions
• Develop and refine professional skills, such as writing resumes, cover letters and job applications, practicing interviews, tips for networking, and other general skills
• Set clear professional goals and develop a “roadmap” for their post-service pathway ― with steps toward accomplishing them, such as achieving an undergraduate and/or graduate degree or looking at opportunities like internships that can provide hands-on experience

This mentorship pilot is supported by funding from Santander Bank, which is committed to expanding economic opportunities and strengthening career pathways for emerging professionals. Through this partnership, AmeriCorps members serving in New Hampshire will gain access to mentorship, professional skill-building, and career exploration opportunities that help translate their service experience into long-term professional success.

Volunteer NH Executive Director Gretchen Stallings emphasized that both service and professional growth are central to the AmeriCorps experience.

“At Volunteer NH, we see every day how service brings people together and strengthens our communities,” said Gretchen Stallings. “During AmeriCorps Week, members stepped forward to support nonprofits across the Granite State while also launching a new mentorship program designed to help them translate their service into future career pathways. It’s inspiring to see members making an impact today while preparing for the next chapter of their leadership.”

For more information about AmeriCorps and the impact of national service visit volunteernh.org or contact Andrea Johnston at Andrea@volunteernh.org or 603-410-7768.