BREMERTON — Kitsap Community Resources received a $592,918 grant for the AmeriCorps program in Kitsap County. The grant was among $17.2 million in grants distributed by the Washington Commission for National and Community Service.

The state Department of Veterans Affairs received $650,000 to help veterans  transition to civilian life. Through Washington’s Vet Corps program, 50 veterans will work with other veterans, active duty members and military families to support transitions from military service to higher education, training or employment opportunities. The additional competitive funding will support 1,313 positions in nonprofits, schools, local government and community-based entities.

In exchange for 1,700 hours of service, AmeriCorps members earn a $5,550 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to help pay for college or pay back student loans. Part-time service opportunities, with proportional education awards, range from 900 to 300 hours.

Since 1994, more than 775,000 AmeriCorps members nationwide have given one billion hours of service in their communities. Last year, AmeriCorps members mobilized 3.4 million community volunteers, and tutored, mentored or served more than 3.5 million disadvantaged youth.