“AmeriCorps cuts prompt two dozen states to sue Trump administration” — Associated Press, 4/29/25

Dear VMA families, friends, supporters, and guests,

We want to share an important update regarding federal recognition for student service.

As some of you may have heard, the federal government has temporarily paused AmeriCorps’ administration of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) and terminated hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for national service programs. This decision has impacted youth-serving organizations across the country, including the VMA. Know that we are closely following updates from AmeriCorps, who have confirmed that “all Certifying Organizations will be notified once PVSA operations resume.”

The VMA prepared in advance for this contingency. Every student who enrolled in the Leadership Initiative with the intention of receiving a PVSA will still receive their award.

In light of the PVSA’s temporary suspension, we are formally introducing the VMA National Service Award —our Leadership Initiative’s official recognition program. This award upholds the same standards of excellence, civic engagement, and volunteer achievement as the PVSA. The opportunity to introduce the VMA National Service Award comes at a watershed moment—a pivotal time to create meaningful, positive change within the VMA and reaffirm our commitment to youth leadership through music and service.

From the very beginning, the VMA Leadership Initiative was designed to meet the same hour and age-based criteria as the PVSA, with service tiers at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. As a long-standing certifying organization of AmeriCorps, the VMA has proudly nominated dozens of students over the years. We will press onward in our commitment to empower and uplift the next generation of youth leaders.

If you have any questions about your child’s award eligibility or service hours, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support of the VMA and our mission to make music accessible to all.

Unwavering Excellence in Youth Leadership

We proudly continue to serve young classical musicians with purpose and impact:

VMA Leadership Initiative guarantees Middle & High School students 100+ service hours
Volunteer hours are eligible for recognition by schools, documented through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
Custom VMA National Service Award certificate with official seal from a Certifiying Organization of AmeriCorps
Serve and receive recognition from anywhere in the U.S.
Standout achievement for college and scholarship applications
Be recognized in VMA press, programs, and digital publications

*Music Teachers who partner with us submit a simple online Concert Completion Report each time a student performs. Teachers who refer students to the Leadership Initiative can receive referral fees as well.