Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $500,000 in Federal Funding for Frostburg State University’s ASTAR Program

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced that Frostburg State University will receive $457,247 in federal funding for the Appalachian Service Through Action and Resources (ASTAR) program. 

ASTAR is a Maryland AmeriCorps program that provides services and support to Western Maryland communities. These services include educational programming, health care resources, drug safety awareness, senior programming, food pantries, and community gardens. 

“The ASTAR program has a proven track record of uplifting and serving communities throughout Western Maryland,” the lawmakers said. “We are pleased to deliver this new federal funding to allow the program to send more AmeriCorps members and volunteers to the region. We remain focused on supporting local initiatives that give back to those who need it most, and this AmeriCorps program is doing just that.”   

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.