President Urges Congress to Pass National-Service Legislation

The legislation would more than triple participation in year-long national-service programs like AmeriCorps to 250,000 by 2013.

It would also create several new service programs and provide money to help nonprofit groups recruit volunteers and spread innovative projects.

“I know that the price of tuition is higher than ever, which is why, if you are willing to volunteer in your neighborhood or give back to your community or serve your country, we will make sure that you can afford a higher education,” Mr. Obama said.