New Federal Regulations Cut Grant Funding for FSU’s ASTAR AmeriCorps Program
Apr 29, 2025 12:00 PM
Frostburg State University’s Appalachian Service Through Action and Resources (ASTAR) program was among those nationwide that were notified over the weekend that its grant funding provided through AmeriCorps was cut thus terminating the program effective immediately.
Established in 1994, ASTAR has been a driving force of national service and community engagement across Maryland. During its 30-year history, ASTAR has placed thousands of AmeriCorps members at nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies and community initiatives throughout the state with a focus on serving the needs of Western Maryland’s rural and underserved communities. Collectively, ASTAR members contributed hundreds of thousands of hours to mentoring youth, education, health initiatives, capacity-building and community outreach.
"The ASTAR AmeriCorps Program has been a transformative force for Frostburg State University and the communities we serve," said Lisa Clark, Director of ASTAR. "While the program's closure is a devastating loss, I’m extremely proud of our members, programs, and community partnerships and the impact they have had over the years.”
The ASTAR program is managed through a partnership with FSU, the University System of Maryland – Hagerstown, the Maryland Governor’s Office of Service and Volunteerism and AmeriCorps.
The federal government’s decision to eliminate these grants prompting the sudden closure reflects larger national changes affecting AmeriCorps funding and structure. “While the ASTAR Program at FSU has been terminated, Frostburg remains deeply committed to fostering civic engagement, public service and community partnerships through ongoing initiatives housed within the Office of Civic Engagement,” said Patrick O’Brien, director of Civic Engagement at FSU.
For more information or to learn about opportunities to support civic engagement and service at Frostburg State University, contact O’Brien at civicengagement@frostburg.edu or 301-687-7599.