Learn and Serve America Reinvestment Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 11, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to revitalize and expand the Learn and Serve America program by securing stable, direct funding and broadening access for local educational entities through a new competitive grant structure.
What it actually does
This bill provides a direct annual appropriation of $40 million for the Learn and Serve America program, along with funds for at least 10 additional staff at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), starting in fiscal year 2026. It expands program eligibility to include local educational agencies and shifts the grant award mechanism for State educational agencies, territories, and Indian tribes from allotments to a competitive basis from FY2026 onwards.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides much-needed stable, direct funding for the Learn and Serve America program, which has historically relied on uncertain discretionary appropriations. They emphasize that expanding eligibility to local educational agencies will allow more schools and communities to implement service-learning programs, fostering civic engagement and academic achievement. The additional staff and technology advancements would improve program administration and effectiveness.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that direct appropriations bypass the annual congressional appropriations process, reducing oversight and flexibility in federal spending. Concerns could be raised that the shift to competitive grants might disadvantage smaller or less experienced State educational agencies, territories, or Indian tribes that may struggle with grant writing compared to an allotment system. Some might also question the necessity of additional federal staff versus relying on existing resources or local capacity.
The bill is concise and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for a thorough evaluation of its provisions.
Section 2(1)
Direct Annual Appropriation for Learn and Serve America Program
This provision mandates a direct appropriation of $40,000,000 annually for the Learn and Serve America program, starting in fiscal year 2026 and continuing each succeeding fiscal year. It specifies that at least 20% of these funds must go to Part I (School-Based Programs) and at least 80% to Part II (Community-Based Programs) of subtitle B of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that direct, mandatory funding provides stability and predictability for a vital program, allowing for long-term planning and expansion without the uncertainty of annual appropriations battles. This ensures consistent support for service-learning initiatives across the nation.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that direct appropriations reduce congressional oversight and the ability to adjust funding levels based on current needs or performance. It locks in spending without annual review, potentially limiting fiscal flexibility.
Tradeoffs
The tension is between ensuring program stability through mandatory funding and maintaining congressional oversight and flexibility through discretionary appropriations.
Section 2(2)
Funding for Additional Corporation for National and Community Service Staff
This provision appropriates "such sums as may be necessary" to hire at least 10 additional full-time staff members for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). These staff are intended to assist with planning, program design, and technology advancements specifically for the Learn and Serve America program.
Section 3(a)(3)
Local Educational Agencies Made Eligible for State Grants
This provision amends the definition of "State educational agency" (SEA) for the purpose of Learn and Serve America grants to explicitly include a local educational agency, or a consortium of two or more local educational agencies, in the State. This makes LEAs directly eligible for grants that were previously only available to SEAs.
Section 3(b)
State Educational Agency Designation Authority
This provision amends the special rule for State educational agencies, allowing them to designate a statewide entity to receive and carry out the functions of an allotment or competitive grant. Eligible statewide entities include community-based entities, non-profit organizations providing training or support to educators and youth workers, or the State Commission on National and Community Service, provided they have demonstrated experience in service-learning.
Section 3(c) and 3(d)
Transition to Competitive Grant Awards for Learn and Serve America
This provision fundamentally changes the funding mechanism for Learn and Serve America. For fiscal years through 2025, funds are distributed via allotments. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the Corporation for National and Community Service will reserve 2-3% for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and then award the remaining funds on a competitive basis to State educational agencies, territories, and Indian tribes. It also requires an annual report to Congress on grant distribution.
Of the $40,000,000 appropriated, not less than 20 percent must be used for Part I (School-Based Programs) and not less than 80 percent for Part II (Community-Based Programs) of subtitle B of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990.
Section 2(1)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for directing how appropriated funds should be distributed among different components of a program, ensuring a specific allocation balance.
Case for: Supporters would argue this ensures a balanced approach, guaranteeing significant funding for both school-based and community-based service-learning initiatives, preventing one area from dominating funding and ensuring broad impact.
Case against: Critics might argue that such specific percentages reduce flexibility for CNCS to allocate funds based on evolving needs or demonstrated effectiveness, potentially locking in a suboptimal distribution that may not align with current priorities.
Estimated impact: Directs $8 million annually to school-based programs and $32 million annually to community-based programs.
For fiscal year 2026 and succeeding fiscal years, 2 to 3 percent of the amounts appropriated for Part I of subtitle B (School-Based Programs) shall be reserved for payments to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Section 3(d)(1)(A)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure specific populations or agencies receive dedicated funding within broader programs, addressing particular needs.
Case for: Proponents would argue this ensures that service-learning programs are specifically supported within Native American communities, acknowledging unique needs and ensuring equitable access to federal resources for these populations.
Case against: Some might argue that all entities, including those serving Native American communities, should compete for funds to ensure the most effective programs are funded, rather than setting aside a portion, which could be seen as less efficient.
Estimated impact: Reserves between $160,000 and $240,000 annually (2-3% of the $8 million allocated to Part I) for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.