The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelming approved legislation Tuesday that broadly expands national volunteer opportunities, more than tripling the number of available positions.

The House’s 275-149 vote sends the bill to President Barack Obama’s desk for his signature. He indicated he would sign it when he returns next week from a trip to Europe.

“I congratulate the House on passing the bipartisan Edward M. Kenney Serve America Act,” the president said in a written statement. “Because of this legislation, millions of Americans at all stages of their lives will have new opportunities to serve their country.”

The bill increases the number of positions with AmeriCorps to 250,000 from 75,000, focusing new volunteers toward areas like education, clean energy, health care and assistance to veterans.

According to Central Michigan University Volunteer Center Coordinator Shawna Ross, the legislation could lead to a flood of new volunteers.

“We’d have to develop some kind of strategy to deal with what could be an onslaught of volunteers,” Ross said, calling it a “good problem to have, but one that will take careful planning on CMU’s part.”

The legislation also increases the educational award for community service from $4,725 to $5,350, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award.

It also links the award to match future increases to the Pell Grant, in order to keep up with rising college costs.

“A lot of people aren’t eligible for the Pell Grant,” said Albion junior Chris Hopcraft. “This is a great alternative to loans. Not only does it help out the community, but it releases one from high interest student loans.”

Hopcraft thinks that given the tough economy, more students will turn to volunteering as a way of getting a leg up on other job applicants.

“It will open up doors to new opportunities,” he said. “It seems as though even a bachelors degree isn’t enough sometimes to stay competitive and a lot of volunteer work looks great on an application.”

Some students, however, may have trouble finding volunteer opportunities in the Mount Pleasant community.

“CMU is based in more of a rural community, so there are only so many non-profits serving our population in Isabella County,” Ross said. “Students would definitely have to think about volunteering on weekends or breaks when they go home.”

The bill also adds opportunities for senior citizens and young people, including creating $500 education awards for sixth-12th grade students who volunteer during their summer recess from school.

metro@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Mike Horace