Corporation for national and community service demonstration projects

(a) Definitions (1) Ex-offender The term ex-offender means an individual who requires assistance in overcoming barriers to employment resulting from a record of arrest or conviction for a crime under Federal, State, local, or Tribal law. (2) Place-based model The term place-based model means an investment initiative that seeks to leverage national service programs to expand the services available within a specific geographic location, to build the capacity of community organizations to provide those services, and to establish a community-wide culture of service and volunteerism. (b) Priority pilots The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service may conduct, during the 3-year period beginning on October 1, 2024, up to 5 demonstration projects to assess the feasibility and advisability of novel approaches to and focus areas of national service, with at least one demonstration project focused on developing a place-based model and at least one demonstration project supporting the reintegration of ex-offenders. (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the demonstration projects under subsection (b), including for salaries and expenses related to such projects.