AmeriCorps cuts hit rural North Dakota schools, communities

This week on The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about his latest article uncovering the impact of federal funding cuts to AmeriCorps programs in rural North Dakota.

Standaert shares what he learned from educators and community members who relied on AmeriCorps support, particularly in small towns where one volunteer could make the difference between a functioning daycare or afterschool program and none at all. From paraprofessionals improving math scores in Elgin/New Leipzig schools to vital staffing support in Cooperstown, the ripple effects of these cuts are already being felt.

They also break down the reporting process, what it takes to track down stories like this, and why it’s important to shine a light on programs that many take for granted.

Episode highlights:

• The unseen roles AmeriCorps members fill in rural communities
• Why some programs were more effective, and more vulnerable, than others
• The challenges of covering cuts with little government transparency

Tune in for the full story behind the headlines.