This summer, the Greek America Foundation will mark a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of Greek America Corps, our summer volunteer program that has helped young North American students turn heritage into action.
For almost a decade, Greek America Corps has brought young people to Greece not simply to visit, but to serve. Since its founding, the program has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships to almost 150 young North Americans, giving them the opportunity to work alongside trusted partner organizations throughout Greece and support vulnerable communities in meaningful, hands-on ways.
They have spent time in nursing homes, giving Greece’s seniors a voice, a listening ear, a chance to share stories and, sometimes, even to sing and dance again.
They have helped Ukrainian war refugees adjust to a new life in Greece.
They have served meals and shared dignity with people experiencing homelessness.
They have gathered food, prepared meals and supported families facing hardship.
They have cleaned beaches, town squares and public spaces, reminding us that service can be both deeply human and beautifully practical.
Greek America Corps was created around a simple but powerful idea: heritage should not only be remembered. It should be lived.
For the young people who participate, the program becomes more than a volunteer trip. It becomes a bridge between identity and responsibility. It connects them to Greece not through nostalgia or vacation, but through service, compassion and human connection.
For the communities they serve, the impact is real. Meals are prepared. Shelves are stocked. Homes and shelters are visited. Seniors are heard. Refugees are welcomed. Public spaces are cared for. Most importantly, people who are often forgotten are reminded that they matter.
This summer, as we celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary, we are planning something special on the island of Chios.
Chios has long been a place of migration, resilience, service and memory. It is also a place where the needs of vulnerable communities remain urgent. Our 10th anniversary program will bring a new group of Greek America Corps volunteers to the island to serve, learn and carry forward the mission that began ten years ago.
But we cannot do this without help.
The Greek America Foundation is launching this 10th anniversary campaign to raise the funds needed to send our volunteers to serve. Your support helps cover the costs that make this program possible, including travel scholarships, housing, meals, local transportation, coordination with partner organizations and the infrastructure needed to provide a safe, meaningful and impactful service experience.
Every gift helps us place another young person in the field. Every gift helps us serve another meal, visit another elder, support another family, welcome another refugee or care for another community.
This is not just about sending students to Greece. It is about forming a generation of young people who understand that identity comes with responsibility. It is about teaching them that philanthropy is not only something you do when you are wealthy or older. It is something you practice now, with your hands, your heart and your time.
For nine years, Greek America Corps has helped young people discover Greece through service. Now, we are asking you to help us send the next generation.
Please make a gift today and help us make this 10th anniversary program on Chios a reality.