Service Starts At Home Act
The Service Starts At Home Act would steer federal funding through the Department of Education to boost student involvement in local government and volunteer service. It creates two main grant tracks: (1) grants to eligible entities (states or units of local government) to fund paid internships in local government for high school students and undergraduates within the same state, with requirements to ensure educational value and accommodations for working students; and (2) a volunteer-service scholarship program funded to the states (plus a federal supplemental program) to reward students who accumulate substantial volunteer hours. The bill also establishes a national recognition program for schools and higher education institutions based on volunteer contributions. Overall funding targets are $50 million annually for internships (2026–2030) and $100 million annually for scholarships (2026–2030), with 20% of the scholarship funds set aside for direct federal supplemental awards.
Key Points
- 1Grants for Local Government Internships: The Secretary of Education must award competitive grants to eligible entities to run paid internships in local government for secondary school students and eligible undergraduates within the state. Grantees must identify opportunities, run a selection process, set pay and terms, and cover internship costs. Accommodations (childcare, transportation, flexible scheduling, telework) should be provided when practicable. Authorized funding: $50 million/year ( FY 2026–2030).
- 2Scholarship for Volunteer Service: The bill creates a state-administered scholarship program funded by allocations to states (based on student enrollment in public elementary/secondary schools) plus a federal program. States award scholarships to students who demonstrate a commitment to volunteer service. First-time and renewal applicants must meet hours requirements (minimum 100 hours in the prior year). Renewal priority is given to continuing students; funds are used for cost of attendance at higher education institutions; scholarships run for up to 1 academic year each, with a total limit of 4 years per student. Tiered scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000 based on hours volunteered.
- 3Federal Supplemental Scholarship Program: A portion of scholarship funds can be used to directly award supplementary funds to eligible students for volunteer service, with priority given to students who have not received a state scholarship.
- 4Recognition Program: The Secretary would run a program to recognize schools and higher education institutions for their volunteer service achievements and contributions.
- 5Definitions: The act uses ESEA definitions for terms like “elementary school,” “local educational agency,” and “institution of higher education.” It defines eligible entities as states or units of local government and clarifies what counts as volunteer service (unpaid work for government or nonprofit organizations) while excluding religious proselytizing, worship, political lobbying, court-ordered service, etc.