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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2004

SCHUMER SWEARS IN 100 NEW “CITY YEAR” AMERICORPS NATIONAL SERVICE MEMBERS WHO WILL SERVE IN NEW YORK CITY SCHOOLS

Corps members hold up their hands to pledge to devote one year of their lives to full-time service throughout New York City

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today swore in 100 new members of City Year New York at City Hall Park to launch this AmeriCorps national service program’s 2004-2005 program.

"Nothing could be more American than programs like City Year New York that harness the energy and idealism of youth and puts kids to work improving our schools and strengthening our communities. City Year New York has a real record of results -- smarter students, stronger schools, and safer streets. I am honored to swear in these new corps members," Schumer said.

The new corps members – young men and women between the ages of 17 and 24 – held up their hands to pledge to devote one year of their lives to full-time service throughout New York City. They were joined by 400 students from New York's PS 137, just one of the schools City Year New York corps members will serve in this year.

City Year members are placed in schools and community based organizations to mentor and tutor elementary and middle school children, to lead after-school programs, and to develop an ethic of service in schools. During the 2004-2005 school year, City Year New York will have teams returning to four of the City's public schools: Morrisania's Bronx Preparatory Academy East Harlem's PS 50; Harlem's PS 194; Hunts Point's PS 48. After this morning’s event, the corps members joined their families in a day of community service.

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