Putting “deeds to needs.”

That’s how President Obama described the AmeriCorps service program, which tripled in size thanks to a $5.7 billion national service bill signed by the president on Tuesday.

The bill, which provides funding for the next eight years, is designed to provide service opportunities for students seeking to earn money for college, seniors seeking to give back and everyone in between. By “harnessing their patriotism and connecting deeds to needs,” the program is designed to benefit both the people and the country. More important, it is designed to spark and nurture a spirit of service and generosity.

More specifically, the service law expands ways for students and seniors to earn money for their college education through their volunteer work. Young people can earn the funds for their own college education. People 55 and older can earn $1,000 that can be transferred to a child, grandchild or someone they mentored.

It’s a noble program that has served millions of participants well, and served our country well along the way.

We’re glad to see the government continue to expand and grow this program and continue to develop both the service and the educational aspect of it.