AmeriCorps NCCC to demobilize all members at Vicksburg campus following DOGE Directive

VICKSBURG, Miss. by Don Hill (VDN) — The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) campus in Vicksburg was directed Tuesday to demobilize all currently serving members, placing them on administrative hold with pay through April 30, 2025. After that date, members will be exited from the program.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, 10-month, residential national service program through which 2,100 young adults serve across the United States each year. The Vicksburg chapter, located in the All Saints campus, supports 47 teams totaling 351 members, 240 of whom were set to graduate in just 28 days.

A portion of a letter sent to members earlier this week reads:

“In alignment with the Trump-Vance administration priorities and Executive Order 14222, ‘Implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative,’ AmeriCorps NCCC is working within new operational parameters that impact the program’s ability to sustain operations. As a result, AmeriCorps is sending all NCCC members to their homes of record as soon as possible.

At this time, all teams are directed to return to their region campus immediately—as soon as is safely practicable. NCCC members will be moved into administrative hold with pay status through April 30, 2025, after which they will be exited from the NCCC program. The program will exit all members early with Compelling Personal Circumstances (CPC) status.”

The letter also states that anyone who has completed at least 15% of the required 1,700 service hours will be eligible for a prorated Segal Education Award.

“With so many classes who have come to Vicksburg and made it their home away from home, supported local businesses — especially The Tomato Place — and served on local projects, the halting of this program is a loss of a great asset,” said a member of the organization who asked to remain anonymous.

Members of the local AmeriCorps groups could be seen supporting a variety of local businesses, often traveling in groups. The Vicksburg Daily News reached out to the Tomato Place after hearing it was a favorite of theirs.

“If this was their reprieve, we’re honored,” said Mallory Sawyer of The Tomato Place. “You know, because in some small way, we helped them on their journey.”