More than 350 members of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) based in Vicksburg have been demobilized and sent home this week, following a visit by Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) representatives to the agency’s national headquarters earlier this week.

Following the visit Tuesday, NCCC members – which make up one of the largest federal civil service agencies – received a letter advising them to return to their regional campuses before being dispatched to their “homes of record,”

“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 program operations,” the letter read. “As a result, AmeriCorps is sending all NCCC members to their homes of record as soon as possible.” 

The abrupt cut in volunteers is the latest in DOGE cutbacks that also resulted in offers of deferred resignations and the outright firing of federal employees with less than one year service in their current positions at both the Vicksburg National Military Park (VNMP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC) in February. Many of the terminated employees were hired back after federal court rulings in the days and weeks following the initial cutbacks; however, the longevity of those rehires remains in question.

This week’s announcement cut short the service of 351 members of the AmeriCorps NCCC: Southern District in Vicksburg, placing them on administrative leave through April 30. According to the letter, volunteers on medical hold will remain in their current locations until April 30, when their status will change to “exited with Compelling Personal Circumstances,” at which point, staff have been instructed to coordinate the return of any remaining personal belongings on those volunteers’ home campuses to the volunteers’ homes of record.

Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said the presence of the NCCC will be sorely missed in the River City.

“It’s unfortunate that this situation has impacted individuals who have done such great work in our community,” Flaggs said. “AmeriCorps members have consistently gone above and beyond to serve Vicksburg, and their impact reaches well beyond our city limits. Through their work at the local, state, and national levels, they help strengthen communities, support public initiatives, and promote a culture of service.”

Flaggs said he also plans to go to bat for AmeriCorps.

“I had the opportunity to meet several of them during a board meeting last year and later attend their graduation,” he said. “I saw firsthand the dedication, professionalism, and heart they brought to everything they do. In support of their service and the values they represent, I am in the process of contacting our congressional delegation and the White House to advocate on their behalf. I will continue to push for a swift and fair resolution that honors their contributions and the difference they’ve made in the lives of so many.”

Additionally, according to the letter, members will continue to receive living allowances and IMG health benefits while on administrative hold status through April 30, and will be eligible for continued loan forbearance.

AmeriCorps is a 10-month national service program that assists with everything from disaster relief to community projects in the volunteers’ areas of deployment. According to the letter, some members of the program will receive full credit for time served.

“You will be considered to have successfully completed AmeriCorps service, and those of you who have completed 15% or more of your 1,700-hour service term will be eligible for a prorated Education Award,” the letter read. “Unfortunately, this prorated award cannot extend to those of you who have not completed 15% of your hours.”

Members of DOGE, which President Donald Trump has admitted is headed up by Elon Musk, began cutting jobs from federal programs early this year in apparent efforts to reign in government spending. 

AmeriCorps’ NCCC program had a budget of $37.7 million during fiscal year 2024 and was on track to receive $42.7 million during the current fiscal year, according to its website.

It is currently unclear whether cuts to AmeriCorps will extend beyond the NCCC program. Messages from The Vicksburg Post to AmeriCorps representatives, both locally and nationally, were not immediately returned.

“We recognize the early conclusion of your service term causes significant disruption to your personal and professional planning,” the letter concluded. “We deeply regret this impact. Your desire to strengthen American communities is commendable, and we thank you for your service in AmeriCorps NCCC.”