FROSTBURG — Frostburg State University’s ASTAR! program was among those nationwide that were notified over the weekend that its grant funding provided through AmeriCorps was cut, terminating the program effective immediately.
ASTAR!, which stands for Appalachian Service Through Action and Resources Program, provided services and support to Western Maryland’s rural and underserved communities, including educational programming, health care resources, drug safety awareness, senior programming, food pantries and community gardens.
Established in 1994, ASTAR! has been a driving force of national service and community engagement across the state, the university said. During its 30-year history, the program has placed thousands of AmeriCorps members at nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies and community initiatives.
Collectively, ASTAR! members contributed hundreds of thousands of hours to mentoring youth, education, health initiatives, capacity-building and community outreach, according to the university.
“The ASTAR AmeriCorps Program has been a transformative force for Frostburg State University and the communities we serve,” said Lisa Clark, the program’s director.
“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 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.
“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, the university’s director of Civic Engagement.