President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have unveiled a

National Service Plan that promises to give Americans opportunities to

become civically involved. The plan especially reaches out to college

students by proposing a new American Opportunity Tax Credit worth $4000 a

year in exchange for 100 hours of community service.

The proposed incentive plan would enable students to graduate college with as many as

17 weeks of service experience. Students would not be directly paid the money, but would receive a tax credit for their service.

In addition to the college student tax credit, the Obama Administration

also wishes to increase the amount of Federal College Work-Study funds

appropriated for community service. According to reports from the

Democratic National Committee, Obama and Biden “will ensure that at least

25 percent of Federal College Work-Study funds are used to support public

service opportunities instead of jobs in dining halls and libraries.”

Currently, 7 percent of Work-Study funds are used for community service.

The Center for Student Leadership, Ethics & Public Service (CSLEPS) works

to help students make connections in the community and promote social

change.  Mike Giancola, the director of CSLEPS, believes that the National

Service Plan could have positive effects on the University.

“It is important to invest in our priorities,” Giancola said. “This plan

provides opportunities for students to further their education and provide

service to others. CSLEPS is always willing to work with students who want

to serve, although additional resources may be needed if the plan becomes

law.  I do not support required service, but President Obama’s plan does

not require students to volunteer; it provides incentives for them to do

so. “

Charles McDowell, president of the NCSU College Republicans, does not

think the National Service Plan will benefit the University’s students.

“It is basically paying students $40 an hour to do volunteer work,”

McDowell said. “The plan is also way too broad. What qualifies as

community service?” Besides being too vague, McDowell also believes that

the proposal will hurt the University’s Work-Study program because

students will not want to work for non-service jobs.

The president of the NCSU College Democrats, Andrew Bates, said

Obama’s plan will allow more people access to higher education

and positively impact college students.

 ”This plan is in line with the best of American traditions in that it

emphasizes hard work for advancement, calls young people to give back

and will help ensure that the United States remains the dominant world

power in the twenty-first century,” Bates said.

Associate Vice Provost and Director of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid Julie Mallette said her office has not been sent any information directly pertaining to the plan. “I have not heard anything about additional financial aid opportunities being provided in connection

with this plan, but if it is adopted perhaps those details will follow,” Mallette said.